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HomeMy WebLinkAboutStaff Report 7617 City of Palo Alto (ID # 7617) City Council Staff Report Report Type: Consent Calendar Meeting Date: 1/9/2017 City of Palo Alto Page 1 Summary Title: 2017 City Council Priority Setting and Annual Retreat Title: Policy and Services Committee Recommends the City Council Review the 2017 City Council Priority Suggestions in Preparation for the Annual Council Retreat and Direct the Mayor to Appoint Council Members to Work With the City Manager in Identifying a Facilitator for a Subsequent Retreat From: City Manager Lead Department: City Manager Recommendation: 1. Receive 2017 City Council Priorities suggestions by reviewing attached documents in preparation for the Annual Priority Setting Retreat scheduled for January 28, 2017. 2. Direct the Mayor to appoint some Council Members to work with City Manager to identify a facilitator for a second, subsequent retreat meeting focused on Council governance and effectiveness. Background On November 29, 2016 and December 14, 2016 the Policy and Services Committee discussed feedback from City Council members and the community regarding priorities for 2017. Attached are the staff reports from the meeting as well as the previously established guidelines which include the definition, purpose, and process for priority setting. Additional attachments include a table indicating feedback from Councilmembers, a potential grouping of the topics from Councilmembers, and copies of community feedback received from Open City Hall, an online civic engagement site. Discussion The Committee discussed the value of holding two retreat meetings. The first meeting, to be held on January 28, 2017, would focus on setting the 2017 Priorities. In the Committee meetings, staff reported that the feedback received from Councilmembers and the community had many similarities to the 2016 Priorities of:  The Built Environment: Housing, Parking, Livability, and Mobility  Infrastructure  Healthy City, Healthy Community City of Palo Alto Page 2  Completion of the Comprehensive Plan 2015-2030 Update Attached to the staff report is a potential grouping of Councilmember feedback. In addition to continuing themes of 2016, financial stability and long term staffing were identified as possible areas of focus for the Council in 2017. The community feedback is summarized in the attached staff reports which, as mentioned, also align with the 2016 priorities, mainly The Built Environment. The Committee also discussed the possibility of second meeting as part of the Annual Retreat. This meeting could be scheduled in February or early March and focus on new member assimilation, governance, Council integration, roles, and protocols for maximizing effectiveness. In this meeting, the Committee felt that use of an outside facilitator to support the Council discussion would be beneficial. The City Manager has been identifying potential facilitators. The Committee agreed that Council should have a role is selecting the facilitator. The Mayor could appoint some Council Members to interview and select a facilitator. Previous Priority Setting retreats have also included reviews of the City Auditor’s Performance Report, the National Citizen Survey, City Council and Executive Leadership Team work plans, hot topics-strategically, and a review the City Council yearly schedule. Council may want to consider these elements in the January 28 retreat planning. Timeline The City Manager will work with the Mayor and Vice-Mayor and other CAO’s as needed in further refinement of the agenda for the Annual Retreat meetings. Resources Impact There is sufficient funding in the Council contingency budget for the facilitator. Staff resources from the Executive Leadership Team and key department staff will also be required. Attachments:  Attachment A - Councilmember Feedback 2017  Attachment B - Grouping of Councilmember Feeedback  Attachment C - Priority Setting Guidelines  Attachment D - 12-14-16 Policy and Services Committee Staff Report  Attachment E - 11-29-16 Policy and Services Committee Staff Report  Attachment F - Open City Hall Feedback Attachment: A ‐ Summary of City Council Feedback ‐ 2017 Council Priorities      Page 1 of 1    Name Priority Area  Scharff  The Built Environment: Housing, Parking, Livability, and Mobility   Infrastructure   Healthy City, Healthy Community   Completion of the Comprehensive Plan Update   Financial health of city  Kniss  Partnering w Schools                                                         Cubberley/ the future   (Iconic)Bike bridge   Approve one (!) affordable housing project    Grade separations. New study   (Meaningful) retreat    Complete comp plan (really!)  Holman  • The Built Environment: Housing, Parking, Livability, and Mobility  • Healthy City, Healthy Community  • Long term staffing strategy (focused resource needs, sustainable funding mechanisms and planning, hiring, retention…)  • Living up to City promises / agreements (code enforcement, traffic violations, noise violations, assessing and collecting appropriate  fines, adherence to project plans and conditions of approval)   Filseth  The Built Environment: Housing, Parking, Livability, and Mobility   Infrastructure   Healthy City, Healthy Community   Long Term Financial Stability  Dubois  The Built Environment: Housing, Parking, Livability, and Mobility   Infrastructure   Long term staffing strategy (to include hiring, retention, pension and benefits, leveraging technology to increase efficiency)  Wolbach  Housing   Transportation   Human and Civil Rights  Kou  The Built Environment: Housing, Parking, Livability, and Mobility   Infrastructure   Healthy City, Healthy Community  Fine  Mobility options (for all ‘users’ of our city)   Housing   Smart, efficient, experimental city  Tanaka  Increase City revenue by 50% without new tax increases   Underground Caltrain    Attachment: B  Grouping of City Council Feedback ‐ 2017 Council Priorities    Page 1 of 1    Priority Area Tally  The Built Environment: Housing, Parking, Livability, and Mobility 9*  Infrastructure 4  Healthy City, Healthy Community 4  Completion of the Comprehensive Plan Update 2  Financial Stability 2  Long term staffing strategy 2  Caltrain – underground and grade separation (Infrastructure?) 2  Partnering with Schools (Healthy City, Healthy Community?)1  Cubberley Community Center (Infrastructure?)1  Bike bridge (Infrastructure?) 1  Affordable housing project (The Built Environment?)1  City Council Retreat  1  Living up to City promises / agreements 1  Human and Civil Rights (Healthy City, Healthy Community?) 1  Smart, efficient, experimental city 1  Increase City revenue by 50% without new tax increases 1    *A tally of feedback received from some Councilmembers that indicated Housing, Parking or  Mobility as individual priorities. Staff incorporated the individual priorities into The Built  Environment. See Attachment A for individual Councilmember feedback.  City of Palo Alto  City Council Priority Setting Guidelines  Approved by City Council: October 1, 2012 Last revised: October 1, 2012 Background The City Council adopted its first Council priorities in 1986. Each year the City Council reviews it’s priorities at its Annual Council Retreat. On October 1, 2012 the City Council formally adopted the definition of a council priority, and the Council’s process and guidelines for selection of priorities. Definition A Council priority is defined as a topic that will receive particular, unusual and significant attention during the year. Purpose The establishment of Council priorities will assist the Council and staff to better allot and utilize time for discussion and decision making. Process 1. Three months in advance of the annual Council Retreat, staff will solicit input from the City Council on the priorities to be reviewed and considered for the following year. a. Council members may submit up to three priorities. b. Priorities should be submitted no later than December 1. c. As applicable, the City Manager will contact newly elected officials for their input by December 1. d. The City Clerk will provide timely notice to the public to submit proposed priorities by December 1. The Policy and Services Committee shall recommend to the Council which suggestions if any shall be considered at the City Council retreat. 2. Staff will collect and organize the recommended priorities into a list for Council consideration, and provide to Council no less than two weeks in advance of the retreat. 3. The Policy and Services Committee, each year at its December meeting, shall make recommendations about the process that will be used at the Annual Retreat paying particular attention to the number of priorities suggested by Council members. The recommended process is to be forwarded to Council for adoption in advance of the Council retreat. Guidelines for Selection of Priorities 1. There is a goal of no more than three priorities per year. 2. Priorities generally have a three year time limit. Attachment A City of Palo Alto  City Council Priority Setting Schedule    Last Updated: 8/17/2012   Attachment A City of Palo Alto (ID # 7561) Policy and Services Committee Staff Report Report Type: Action Items Meeting Date: 12/14/2016 City of Palo Alto Page 1 Summary Title: 2017 City Council Priorities Title: Discussion and Recommendations for 2017 City Council Priority Setting Process From: City Manager Lead Department: City Manager Recommendation Policy and Services Committee to continue discussions and consider making recommendations to the City Council, in January, on the annual Council retreat and priorities. Background On November 29, 2016, the Committee discussed the priority setting process and ideas regarding the format and structure of the 2017 City Council Retreat. Attached to this report is the November 29, 2016 staff report which includes the 2012 Council approved Priority Setting Guidelines, definitions, community feedback on priorities from October 3, 2016 to November 1, 2016 and further background on the annual process. Also, attached is additional community feedback received from November 2, 2016 to November 29, 2016. Discussion The Committee discussed the retreat and priority setting process with particular attention to the retreat, indicating that for 2017, Council and staff should explore a retreat focus with an expanded discussion beyond just 2017 priorities identification. The discussion included consideration of utilizing a facilitator at a first retreat session focus on organization of the new Council, governance issues, with attention on how to work together as Council and staff most effectively., The Committee discussed possibly a possible two-day retreat and consider a new location such as Foothills Park. The second day (or session) could then be concentrated on the priority setting based on feedback received from Councilmembers and the community. The value of an expanded focus on development of a strategic operational plan also came up. Currently January 28, 2017 and February 4, 2017 are being looked at as possible retreat dates. City of Palo Alto Page 2 Staff is soliciting Councilmember feedback regarding 2017 priorities and will provide the Committee a summary on responses received from Council Members and Council Members Elect on December 14, 2016. Timeline The Committee may make some recommendations regarding the priorities and also recommendations to staff regarding the retreat format, process for selecting a facilitator, etc. January 9, 2017 Council meeting is the target date bringing these matters to Council. Attachments:  Attachment A: 11-29-16 Staff Report (PDF)  Attachment B: Community Feedback 11-1-16 to 11-29-16 (PDF) City of Palo Alto (ID # 7509) Policy and Services Committee Staff Report Report Type: Action Items Meeting Date: 11/29/2016 City of Palo Alto Page 1 Summary Title: 2017 City Council Priorities Title: Discussion and Recommendations for 2017 City Council Priority Setting Process From: City Manager Lead Department: City Manager Recommendation Policy and Services Committee to discuss and consider making recommendations to the City Council in January on the process to be used at the Annual Retreat to identify the 2017 Council Priorities. Background On October 1, 2012, the City Council approved the Council Priority Setting Guidelines included as Attachment A. The guidelines define a Council priority and lay out the purpose, process and general parameters for annual priority setting. Consistent with these guidelines, the Council established early December as the deadline for Council submitting 2017 priorities to staff. Each year the Policy and Services Committee at its December meeting reviews the priorities suggested and considers making recommendations to the City Council about the process that will be used to identify priorities at the Annual Retreat. As the Council directed, after the submittal period closes, staff is to collect and organize the Council recommended priorities into a list and provide to the Council no later than two weeks in advance of the 2017 Annual Retreat. This year, due to the Policy and Services schedule, staff is bringing the item forward in November. Discussion A Council priority is defined as a topic that will receive particular, unusual and significant attention during the year. The purpose of establishing priorities is to assist the Council and staff to better allot and utilize time for discussion and decision making. There is a goal of no more than three priorities per year and priorities have a three year time limit. City of Palo Alto Page 2 The Policy and Services main focus is to make process recommendations for Council conduct of the priority setting at the retreat. In some years, the Council used the “nominal group voting technique” (dot voting) to work through suggestions and generate a collective recommendation. In recent years, Council Members briefly presented their suggestions and explanations as needed and Council discussion led to relatively easy decisions. The 2012 policy helped add definition and limitations on the priorities. Policy and Services may want to offer some suggestions to staff regarding groupings. Council may wish to amend or modify the recommendations as part of their discussion at the retreat. On January 30, 2016, at the Annual Retreat, Council adopted the following priorities for 2016:  The Built Environment: Housing, Parking, Livability, and Mobility  Infrastructure  Healthy City, Healthy Community  Completion of the Comprehensive Plan 2015-2030 Update Input from City Council Staff will provide an At Places Memo on the input received from Councilmembers on recommended priorities. On November 9, after the general election, staff will poll newly elected Councilmembers for their input and include the results in the At Places Memo for Policy and Services consideration. Input from Community In October 3, 2016, the City posted the question, “What are the priorities you would like to see the City Council adopt for 2017?” to its Open City Hall online civic engagement site to solicit input and feedback from the community. As of November 1, 2016 a total of 180 individuals had visited the topic with 68 posting responses. The community is still able to provide feedback on Open City Hall, but below is a summary of comments received to date, and identification of a number of themes that emerged from the responses:  Airplane noise  Traffic and bike safety, enforcement, parking  Infrastructure  Public transportation, increase in multimodal options  Housing, creating more, affordable, granny units  Jobs/housing balance  Social equity, community, diversity  Long term financial planning  Sensible architectural review process  Ground floor retail, development cap City of Palo Alto Page 3 Attachment B is the detailed responses from Open City Hall. There were also a number of responses posted on Nextdoor that are also included in Attachment C. As of November 1, 2016 no feedback was received from the community through email, telephone or mail. Timeline Upon the Policy & Services Committee’s approval, staff will forward the recommendation to the City Council in January. Staff will update the January staff report to include any additional community feedback received prior to agenda publication. Upon approval by the City Council in January, staff will publish results in advance of the retreat. At this time, the Council’s 2017 Annual Retreat has not been schedule. Attachments:  Attachment A: Priority Setting Guidelines (PDF)  Attachment B: Open City Hall 2017 Priorities Comments 11-1-16 (PDF)  Attachment C: Nextdoor 2017 Priorities Comments 11-1-16 (PDF) City of Palo Alto  City Council Priority Setting Guidelines  Approved by City Council: October 1, 2012 Last revised: October 1, 2012 Background The City Council adopted its first Council priorities in 1986. Each year the City Council reviews it’s priorities at its Annual Council Retreat. On October 1, 2012 the City Council formally adopted the definition of a council priority, and the Council’s process and guidelines for selection of priorities. Definition A Council priority is defined as a topic that will receive particular, unusual and significant attention during the year. Purpose The establishment of Council priorities will assist the Council and staff to better allot and utilize time for discussion and decision making. Process 1. Three months in advance of the annual Council Retreat, staff will solicit input from the City Council on the priorities to be reviewed and considered for the following year. a. Council members may submit up to three priorities. b. Priorities should be submitted no later than December 1. c. As applicable, the City Manager will contact newly elected officials for their input by December 1. d. The City Clerk will provide timely notice to the public to submit proposed priorities by December 1. The Policy and Services Committee shall recommend to the Council which suggestions if any shall be considered at the City Council retreat. 2. Staff will collect and organize the recommended priorities into a list for Council consideration, and provide to Council no less than two weeks in advance of the retreat. 3. The Policy and Services Committee, each year at its December meeting, shall make recommendations about the process that will be used at the Annual Retreat paying particular attention to the number of priorities suggested by Council members. The recommended process is to be forwarded to Council for adoption in advance of the Council retreat. Guidelines for Selection of Priorities 1. There is a goal of no more than three priorities per year. 2. Priorities generally have a three year time limit. Attachment A City of Palo Alto  City Council Priority Setting Schedule    Last Updated: 8/17/2012   Attachment A All Statements sorted chronologically As of November 1, 2016, 10:11 AM Open City Hall is not a certified voting system or ballot box. As with any public comment process, participation in Open City Hall is voluntary. The statements in this record are not necessarily representative of the whole population, nor do they reflect the opinions of any government agency or elected officials. All Statements sorted chronologically As of November 1, 2016, 10:11 AM http://www.peakdemocracy.com/4065 2017 Council Priorities What are the priorities you would like to see the City Council adopt for 2017? As of November 1, 2016, 10:11 AM, this forum had: Attendees:180 All Statements:68 Hours of Public Comment:3.4 This topic started on October 4, 2016, 4:04 PM. All Statements sorted chronologically As of November 1, 2016, 10:11 AM http://www.peakdemocracy.com/4065 Page 2 of 19 2017 Council Priorities What are the priorities you would like to see the City Council adopt for 2017? Joerg Rathenberg in Crescent Park (registered)October 31, 2016, 10:43 PM The single most important issue is to stop the jet noise from SFO over Palo Alto. If you live in the 1.5 mile corridor under the flight path nothing else really matters, as it makes living here extremely undesirable, unhealthy, and will lead to more people selling their houses to foreign investors who don't care, don't live here, and have no interest in this community. You may think this is an exaggeration, but it's happening already. Name not shown in Crescent Park (registered)October 31, 2016, 4:39 PM I would like to see some really imaginative thinking by the Council and Staff. After all, we are the center of innovation, next to a university known for the same. Here are some ideas: 1. A traffic plan involving a combination of remote parking, jitneys on city streets and connecting neighborhoods with commercial/shopping areas, and street closures. Included in this could be many roundabouts that would speed existing intersection traffic, and a computerized red/green light system that would be responsive to ambient traffic flow. 2. Innovative housing that uses low use space for small apartments, co-living communities, and vertical space above low commercial structures. 3. Research on solar energy generation from black-top streets; this could be a great project with Stanford. 4. Active planning in commercial areas for attractive architecture that is more integrated than the present pattern of glass and concrete inexpensive construction distributed randomly where land is available. (Town and Country is an example of this sort of idea; the new construction downtown is not. 1 Supporter Larry Kavinoky in College Terrace (registered)October 31, 2016, 4:35 PM I would like to see the city immediately increase housing in Palo Alto by finding a way to all existing granny units that are safe, even if not up to Palo Alto code, be encouraged to relieve our housing shortage and thus provide more affordable units. Palo Alto makes exceptions for zoning, height and density for all kinds of "public benefit" reasons. Lets do that type of thing now to begin to alleviate the housing shortage. Gary Gechlik outside Palo Alto (registered)October 31, 2016, 4:30 PM It is important to treat people equally and address real world needs. Right now, there is significant fire risk in the Open Space. Given the recent Loma Fire which destroyed multiple homes, Palo Alto needs to encourage 2017 Council Priorities What are the priorities you would like to see the City Council adopt for 2017? All Statements sorted chronologically As of November 1, 2016, 10:11 AM http://www.peakdemocracy.com/4065 Page 3 of 19 defensible space management. Residents in the Open Space should be encouraged to follow Cal-Fire guidelines of 100 feet of defensible space. More work needs to be done on social equity for families. We have to be realistic and be careful not to substitute abstract goals and a specific agenda for well established and moderated property rights. We also have to be careful to follow federal guidelines, as Palo Alto, like all municipalities often receives matching funds and federal grants. For this reason, a moderate approach by Palo Alto with a goal of service to citizens is the best approach. Anna Wichansky in Green Acres (registered)October 31, 2016, 1:38 PM 1. Decrease traffic, crowding, parking hassles. This means stop new building ASAP. The only things that should be built would be replacements for existing buildings. The reason people used to want to live in Palo Alto was because it had nice residential neighborhoods. I don't think we need another start-up or coffee place or hotel anywhere in Palo Alto. 2. Find a way to decrease the overhead plane noise. It is a reminder day in and day out of how much everything has changed in Palo Alto. No longer quiet even at night. We need to gain some traction over this problem. The big time politicians are not solving the problem; absolutely nothing has changed since they started flying NextGen flightpaths over our heads. 3. Pick up garbage all over the city. Pick it up even if it isn't the city's "jurisdiction". I'm talking about the feeder ramps and bridges to Oregon Expressway, Embarcadero, San Antonio. The same garbage has been laying there for months. If you need to work with Caltrans, do it. It reflects on our city, it's spreading to our local streets, and the city is starting to look like a garbage dump along major thoroughfares. It also fosters an I-Don't-care attitude on regular streets, which I see much more garbage around the schools and parks. If needed organize a citizen clean up day and close the access roads so we can all get out with garbage bags and get rid of this stuff. Joel Davidson in Barron Park (registered)October 31, 2016, 1:13 PM I have been waiting for many years for the city to have city wide wifi. Traffic is getting worse daily. It takes between 15 to 20 minutes to get to 101 or 280 from my house in south Palo Alto near the El Camino. 1 Supporter Sharon Dickson in University South (registered)October 31, 2016, 1:10 PM Infrastructure needs to be very high priority, particularly for pedestrians and cyclists. Many streets and sidewalks still need serious repair. New lighting is inadequate for nighttime walking. The streets are lit, but the sidewalks are in shadow and present trip hazards. Sewers do not adequately drain streets during wet periods. University overpass is way overdue for renovation. Name not shown in Crescent Park (registered)October 31, 2016, 1:02 PM 2017 Council Priorities What are the priorities you would like to see the City Council adopt for 2017? All Statements sorted chronologically As of November 1, 2016, 10:11 AM http://www.peakdemocracy.com/4065 Page 4 of 19 The top priority for the City Council should involve addressing the erosion of the quality of life for Palo Alto residents. Palo Alto is no longer a desirable place to live. Two factors that contribute to this erosion should be addressed immediately by the City Council. First, the intolerable and incessant whine of aircraft overhead must be eliminated in order to restore any sense of peace and quality of life to our city! Second, the aggressive takeover of downtown by office buildings and developers has to be stopped. Additionally, the encroachment of employees parking into the surrounding neighborhoods has to be reversed and resident only parking implemented. Our neighborhoods are now parking lots for employees with the consequence of increased traffic and decreased safety. Greed and an aggressive type of competitiveness appear to be the city's values rather than a concern for quality of life for residents. Finally, of course, addressing the yearly threat of flooding would be welcome! 1 Supporter Valerie Stinger in Palo Verde (registered)October 31, 2016, 12:18 PM The 2016 priorities remain unfinished and important. So I wonder if process is as important as priority. I would urge the new council to focus, commit to a planning schedule. For myself, the priorities are housing and transit. How do we accommodate diversity? How do we progress to a transit system, which does not center on automobiles? 1 Supporter Sheri Furman in Midtown/ Midtown West (registered)October 31, 2016, 12:17 PM The 2016 priority “The Built Environment: Housing, Parking, Livability and Mobility” was overly broad and should be redefined into separate priorities, which would help achieve “Livability.” • Transportation: Realistic TMA, require fully parked projects, residential shuttles, strict RPP programs • Housing: Below market housing, Airbnb, ADUs, redefine mixed use to favor housing over retail • Complete the Comprehensive Plan Update and zoning updates (retain office cap, protect ground-floor retail, reduce condition use permit allowances, increase code enforcement) • Infrastructure Geri Spieler in Midtown/ Midtown West (registered)October 31, 2016, 11:55 AM There are many issues for every community, however, for me, an issue not being well addressed is the incessant jet noise over our city. It appears with all the meetings and comments; nothing is being done. Besides being an annoying issue, it is also a health issue. We didn't have this problem several years ago, so how did the FAA get permission to do this without input from the communities that are affected most? 1 Supporter Name not available (unclaimed)October 31, 2016, 11:40 AM 2017 Council Priorities What are the priorities you would like to see the City Council adopt for 2017? All Statements sorted chronologically As of November 1, 2016, 10:11 AM http://www.peakdemocracy.com/4065 Page 5 of 19 I would like to see the only development be parking garages. We have done enough building to last for a lifetime, but without the requisite parking. More development is going to make the traffic unbearable. I would also like to see the city go around and replace all of the dead trees, and trim the dead branches off of other trees. The draught has taken its toll on the trees in town. The roads could use some work too. Many roads need to be repaved. I would like to see our police department patrol the downtown area more closely. Many drivers run through stop signs. Name not shown in Palo Verde (registered)October 31, 2016, 11:17 AM Lower utilities bills. And, yes, I do think those full color flyers that come with my bill are a waste! Shelly Gordon in Green Acres (registered)October 31, 2016, 11:09 AM Consider passing an anti-idling ordinance to help reduce air pollution and improve air quality. More than 40,000 tons of carbon are emitted daily in US cities from drivers sitting in parked cars with their engines running, while texting or engaging in other activities. Turning off and starting gas-powered engines reduce gas consumption, green house gas emissions, and wear and tear on engines. Parents picking up elementary school children are the biggest offenders. Sometimes they wait 10 minutes for their children with their engines running, spewing particulate matter into the air and contributing to respiratory illness, especially asthma in children which is on the rise. Cities throughout the US have anti-idling ordinances that are effectively educating drivers on the benefits of not idling. So working models already exist, as well as a number of public relations materials to change this unconscious behavior, making it easier to implement. 1 Supporter Shannon McEntee in Evergreen Park (registered)October 31, 2016, 10:53 AM 1. We need frequent, convenient and reasonably priced transportation to SFO. Trains: we need to see a huge improvement in frequency including early morning and late nighttime trains. Buses: we need frequent buses to SFO every day, including early morning and late night. Our airport access is unforgivably poor considering our traffic and air pollution problems. PA must work with the various transportation authorities to improve this deplorable situation. 2. Reduce Noise: Our city is now so noise polluted that it's almost unbearable. Planes, street sweepers, 2017 Council Priorities What are the priorities you would like to see the City Council adopt for 2017? All Statements sorted chronologically As of November 1, 2016, 10:11 AM http://www.peakdemocracy.com/4065 Page 6 of 19 garbage trucks, recycling trucks, honking cars -- it NEVER stops. Begin to replace noisy vehicles with electric- powered vehicles. 3. Honking car noise: NYC has an ordinance that fines people for car honking. Most of the cars on our roads honk loudly when they lock their doors, unlock their doors, and when they hit the wrong button on their key. Solve this problem - cars don't need to honk loudly all the time. They can chirp softly. 4. Crack down on speeding cars in our neighborhoods, rolling through stop signs and ignoring red lights. We want a courteous and safe city. 5. Fix the roads that cross the train tracks so traffic doesn't have to stop every time a train goes by. Trench the tracks or trench the roads, but we must eliminate the needless delays, traffic congestion, added air pollution, and the stress associated with our inadequate road system. Will it be expensive? Yes, but we need to do it. 6. Keep making improvements to our bikeways and continue to encourage adults and children to get out of their cars and bike, walk, or use public transportation. 7. Figure out how to monitor and invoice water consumption in multi-home and multi-office buildings. In my 55- unit condo building, the HOA pays the water bills and individuals aren't held accountable for their water usage. When people have to pay, they reduce their waste. This drought is not going to end. We need to make changes to reduce water use and we need to start now. We also need to incentivize new methods to capture rainwater and greywater in order to water our trees and gardens -- rather than wasting precious potable water. Name not available (unclaimed)October 31, 2016, 10:53 AM youth mental health initiative Joe Baldwin in University South (registered)October 31, 2016, 10:52 AM HOUSING: 1. Allow Granny units built for family members or as BMR units. 2. Require 25% BMR units on all housing development of 4 or more units. PARKING: 1. Require 100% parking provided for all new commercial development. 2. Raise current downtown RPP employee permit goal from zero to 1,000 with support from both Neilson Buchanan and Chamber of Commerce. 3 Supporters Bob Moss in Barron Park (registered)October 31, 2016, 10:45 AM These are my suggestions for 2017 priorities: 1) Infrastructure 2) Long term financial planning 3) Impacts of commercial and residential development 2 Supporters Dov Shiffman in Duveneck/ St Francis (registered)October 31, 2016, 10:42 AM 2017 Council Priorities What are the priorities you would like to see the City Council adopt for 2017? All Statements sorted chronologically As of November 1, 2016, 10:11 AM http://www.peakdemocracy.com/4065 Page 7 of 19 Please address aircraft noise Steve Ludington in Palo Verde (registered)October 31, 2016, 10:36 AM Get serious about promoting cycling instead of driving. This means bike routes that are separated from auto traffic and it means spending a lot of money. 2 Supporters Darryl Fenwick in Downtown North (registered)October 31, 2016, 10:33 AM I can't believe there has not been a single statement I have noticed which has mentioned the homeless and beggars on the streets of Palo Alto. Addressing this problem is not the same as addressing affordable housing (which should also be a top priority). Almost every block on University has someone begging and homeless, and it is often the same people day after day, month after month, year after year. This is clearly something where the city could make a huge impact in someone's life. And I am surprised by the number of comments about the airplane noise, especially if they don't consider that planes that don't fly over Palo Alto necessarily fly over another city. The solution requires a regional balance and we need to be able to agree upon our fair share of plane traffic overhead. 1 Supporter Briggs Nisbet in Palo Verde (registered)October 31, 2016, 10:31 AM 1. Cumulative ambient noise in the residential neighborhoods is increasing and increasingly unhealthful. This includes nearly constant commercial jets at low altitudes overhead, leaf blowers and power tools related to tree trimming, housing construction and other activities; other types of aircraft including private planes and jets, helicopters, military aircraft; even the street cleaning vehicles approach the sound levels of overhead aircraft. 2. In South Palo Alto the amount of housing demolition and construction is increasing rapidly, adding to noise and traffic disruption and, ultimately changing the character of the neighborhoods. Small, relatively "affordable" one-story houses are being transformed into large, multi-level structures that cover most of the residential lot, in many cases loom over their next door neighbors, and radically change the landscape, including fewer and smaller trees, the addition of lawns and watering systems, and, I assume, increase energy and water use. How can the city address the issue of "affordable" housing and not consider the exchange of less-expensive exisiting housing stock for new, larger housing units that are likely twice as expensive and house the same number of people? Name not available (unclaimed)October 31, 2016, 10:31 AM The healthy community priority to include reduction of airplane noise and pollution of our environment. If the 2017 Council Priorities What are the priorities you would like to see the City Council adopt for 2017? All Statements sorted chronologically As of November 1, 2016, 10:11 AM http://www.peakdemocracy.com/4065 Page 8 of 19 FAA does not respond to the published City of Palo Alto's recommendations, further action may be required to address this continuing threat to a healthy community. Name not available (unclaimed)October 31, 2016, 10:28 AM Airplane noice must be a priority. City shall nagotiate directly with FAA and if not favorable resolution is achieved, joint forces to prepared for legal battle with federal government Name not shown in Duveneck/ St Francis (registered)October 31, 2016, 10:15 AM The jet noise is intolerable. The frequency and volume is disrupting our lives. I cannot work at home because I can't concentrate, I get woken up multiple times a night unable to block out the noise, we don't hang out in our yard much any more every few minutes the belly of a plane is right over our heads and one can't even carry on a conversation without stopping to let the planes pass. I can't imagine the quality of the air we breathe is any good with constant jet fumes spewing at such a low altitude. It was not like this when we first moved here to Palo Alto, and I hope the City will make it a high priority to ensure the FAA creates more reasonable flight paths instead of directing a disproportionate number of flights over Palo Alto. 2 Supporters Name not available (unclaimed)October 31, 2016, 10:08 AM Continued and increased access to city services and the city council through development of mobile tech. Name not shown in College Terrace (registered)October 31, 2016, 2:41 AM 1. More Low Income and Affordable Housing and programs for all ages but specifically seniors. Leaving nobody behind. 2. More opportunities to hear each other, learn from each other, get to know each other. 3. More opportunities for local groups and neighborhoods to work with each other and guests, through temporary residencies by outside artists, scientists, and others that can help us learn and look beyond what we expect or already know and that create participatory projects to enrich the social, economical, and creative quality of our living together. 1 Supporter Amy Christel in Midtown/ Midtown West (registered)October 29, 2016, 11:01 AM Rather than a vaguely defined topic like "Healthy City" focus on issues that contribute to ill-health in our city. Air quality and "Soundscape" are big QOL issues. Address noise and air pollution sources with better ordinances 2017 Council Priorities What are the priorities you would like to see the City Council adopt for 2017? All Statements sorted chronologically As of November 1, 2016, 10:11 AM http://www.peakdemocracy.com/4065 Page 9 of 19 and better enforcement; monitor aviation noise and chemical pollution from both commercial jets and General Aviation (PAO), ban leaf blowers, address horrendously noisy garbage trucks and street sweepers (invest in quieter machinery or better maintenance of current), curb train horns in overnight hours. Ban the sale of leaded avgas at PAO effective 2018, and insist that fuel vendors there offer Swift 94 (unleaded gas) as a contingency of renewed leases. Work with the FAA to reduce the overflights of GA aircraft approaching PAO and SQL over neighborhoods, and limit the training operations at PAO which force arriving/departing air traffic over residential populations. On the issue of housing, don't assume cars will not come with new housing. Require developers to provide complete parking. Re traffic and congestion: STOP the office growth. Period, no exceptions. Enough jobs. Wait 50 years for the housing to catch up. 1 Supporter Name not shown in Community Center (registered)October 27, 2016, 9:41 AM The jet noise is unbearable, quality of life has plummeted. Palo Alto will no longer be "a little gem of a city" if the noise persists and if, as expected gets worse with continued next gen implementation. Please continue your substantive support via consultants and direct support to Sky Posse Palo Alto. Get the city on the SFO roundtable. Push back on the politicians waving hands about 'not moving noise' (the noise has been moved, to us). Let's get this fixed. For us. For our neighbors. 1 Supporter Mel Kronick in Crescent Park (registered)October 22, 2016, 5:56 PM More support for mass transit, especially more capacity on Caltrain. Work with Menlo Park and Redwood City to reactivate the rail line that connects Redwood City to East Menlo Park (very near Facebook with its thousands of employees) and then on across the bay south of the Dumbarton Bridge. 1 Supporter Michelle Arden in University South (registered)October 21, 2016, 5:45 PM Please address aircraft noise as a priority for the community. In the past several years, aircraft noise has increased to the point where it significantly impacts my quality of life, and that of my family. 2 Supporters Name not available (unclaimed)October 21, 2016, 4:43 PM 2017 Council Priorities What are the priorities you would like to see the City Council adopt for 2017? All Statements sorted chronologically As of November 1, 2016, 10:11 AM http://www.peakdemocracy.com/4065 Page 10 of 19 The things I would most like to see the City prioritize: 1. Airplane noise 2. Airplane noise 3. Airplane noise Thank you. Margaret Clayton Name not available (unclaimed)October 21, 2016, 4:07 PM The most immediate problem I would love to see tackled is the extreme airplane noise -- because of the impact on health, quality of life and likely on property values. Palo Alto is a much less pleasant and desirable place to live since airplane noise has increased and a less healthy & happy place to raise kids. For me and my family, the noise is disruptive & finding a solution is a top priority. Name not shown in University South (registered)October 21, 2016, 12:16 PM Please consider the airplane noise problem a priority for the city council. About 1/3 of the citizens are experiencing it and the children suffer daily at school. 2 Supporters Joan Hancock in Old Palo Alto (registered)October 20, 2016, 12:58 PM As I walk around our neighborhood...I'm saddened by the empty dark houses that are like holes in the neighborhood. I know New York and London have the same situation with out of town property investment that is held as a commodity. Could Palo Alto have an ordinance that houses have to be occupied at least half the year? Just wondering...Joan Hancock Name not shown in Community Center (registered)October 20, 2016, 11:42 AM The incredible increase in airplane noise over the past year must be addressed - this is a serious quality of life issue and also could affect property values. Also traffic safety (cracking down on speeding and red light running) and bicycle route safety need addressing. Fix the traffic mess at Embarcadero and Town and Country/Paly -- it's no better than it was. 2 Supporters Name not shown in University Park (registered)October 20, 2016, 10:34 AM 2017 Council Priorities What are the priorities you would like to see the City Council adopt for 2017? All Statements sorted chronologically As of November 1, 2016, 10:11 AM http://www.peakdemocracy.com/4065 Page 11 of 19 1. Development cap in all of Palo Alto until we've solved parking and traffic issues 2. Crackdown on residential burglary/auto theft 2 Supporters Name not shown in Midtown/ Midtown West (registered)October 19, 2016, 10:14 PM My opinions on top 2 city priorities: 1. Funding and executing infrastructure improvements 2. Public safety - apply more resources to traffic enforcement and crackdown on residential burglary/auto theft Please do not put city resources towards building more/BMR housing. It is not the responsibility of the city to ensure everyone who wants to live in PA can do so. There are lots of places I would like to live or own a home but I don't expect those cities to subsidize my ability to live there. Name not shown in Green Acres (registered)October 19, 2016, 10:10 PM By far the most important issue for me is the elimination of the constant barrage of loud, annoying, intrusive aircraft noise that has been occurring at my home since Mar. 2015. 1 Supporter Name not shown in Midtown/ Midtown West (registered)October 19, 2016, 9:23 PM Please find a way to reinstate traffic enforcement. The speeding, red-light running and stop-sign running is such a huge problem. If people thought they might get ticketed for these infractions, maybe it would help discourage it. Our streets are becoming like a free-for-all and are not safe places for bikers or pedestrians. 2 Supporters Stephen Rock in Charleston Terrace (registered)October 19, 2016, 9:17 PM Reducing single occupancy auto traffic. 1) Public Transportation should be a very high priority. Getting people to their jobs, to shopping, to entertainment. a) Much more frequent bus service and many more routes. Faster service (dedicated lanes) Perhaps follow the model of the Stanford Margarete system. bus routes to California Ave Cal Train. b) Frequent Minibuses, perhaps private, along designated routes. This is done in many countries. b) Increased Cal Train c) Coordinate with neighboring cities. e.g. route between Palo Alto and Menlo Park. 2) Shared Taxi service/minivans from Train Stations and Bus stops to work places. 3) Designated parking places for car pools (as at Stanford). 2017 Council Priorities What are the priorities you would like to see the City Council adopt for 2017? All Statements sorted chronologically As of November 1, 2016, 10:11 AM http://www.peakdemocracy.com/4065 Page 12 of 19 4) Designated parking for small cars. Put large vehicles on the top of the garages. 5) University Av pedestrian only. 2 Supporters Name not shown (unverified)October 19, 2016, 9:15 PM 1) Decrease exposure of PA residents to jet produced noise and pollution 2) Increase recreation areas for people and their dogs Angela Holman in Downtown North (registered)October 19, 2016, 8:10 PM I would like to know which, if any, of these priorities include addressing the serious housing problem in Palo Alto. Those of us who are renters have no protections against enormous rent increases, making it virtually impossible to maintain any kind of economic diversity in the area. In addition to renter protections though, I'd really like to see more of an emphasis on low-income and affordable housing development. As the cities around us continue to allow company growth to outpace housing stock, people are getting pushed further and further out and making traffic worst for everyone. Again, how will these priorities address housing needs? 1 Supporter Name not shown in University Park (registered)October 19, 2016, 5:55 PM Creating more housing needs to be a number one priority. Any way the council can change the requirements to incentivise smaller dwellings, granny units and other creative ways to increase housing should be considered. using technology to improve parking accessibility is also a worthy endeavor. 3 Supporters Name not shown in Downtown North (registered)October 14, 2016, 10:40 AM More housing, more housing, more housing. Everything else is a distant second. 1 Supporter Rachel Croft in Southgate (registered)October 14, 2016, 9:05 AM I would like the city to take as a top priority making Palo Alto a more bike friendly place. This should include considerations for bike safety (including providing separate roadways for bikes, ensuring cars can't park near intersections, and putting better separation rails in places where bikes are near fast-moving cars like Embarcadero Caltrain underpass) and bike parking. The city should consider both adult and kid bike drivers in their plans. 2017 Council Priorities What are the priorities you would like to see the City Council adopt for 2017? All Statements sorted chronologically As of November 1, 2016, 10:11 AM http://www.peakdemocracy.com/4065 Page 13 of 19 2 Supporters Patama Gur in Old Palo Alto (registered)October 13, 2016, 1:32 PM Preserve ground floor retail at least two blocks off University Ave and keep California Avenue zoned for local, non-chain businesses. Better balance the needs of existing local residents with growth initiatives especially around parking and traffic concerns. 2 Supporters Hamilton Hitchings in Duveneck/ St Francis (registered)October 11, 2016, 4:19 PM 1) Complete the Comprehensive Plan Update 2) Significant progress on Infrastructure: Public Safety Building, new Parking Garages, Newell St. Bridge & Fire Stations Seismic Safety 3) Extend zoning changes to favor housing over office (extend and strengthen office cap, rezone some office to residential, TDRs for residential only, more focus on below market housing, try to save Bueno Vista, more focus on mitigating development impacts on neighbors, traffic and parking, etc...) Name not shown in Midtown/ Midtown West (registered)October 9, 2016, 11:10 PM Thank you for asking. My top issues are unbearable jet noise, and cut through traffic on my street, Loma Verde Ave, which has made my home more noisy, polluted and dangerous. Thank you again. 1 Supporter Name not shown in Evergreen Park (registered)October 9, 2016, 5:48 PM My highest priorities for Palo Alto center around quality of life: safety - traffic law enforcement (speed limits! stopping at stop signs) and parking (parking permits in neighborhoods near commercial areas) 1 Supporter Irene Au in Evergreen Park (registered)October 9, 2016, 4:16 PM - Preserve quality of life for existing residents by addressing transit and parking issues. Evergreen Park in particular is suffering without an RPPP. Please implement an RPPP and commit towards a 100% phase-out of employee parking in the neighborhood within 5 years. - Commit to ground-floor retail and grow and keep local businesses in our community - Encourage businesses that help foster community and serve as gathering points for people / places of attraction; we need to serve not just one particular demographic but different places for people at different 2017 Council Priorities What are the priorities you would like to see the City Council adopt for 2017? All Statements sorted chronologically As of November 1, 2016, 10:11 AM http://www.peakdemocracy.com/4065 Page 14 of 19 stages of life (e.g. teens, young adults, young families, middle-aged adults, seniors) - Make walking and biking around the city easy, accessible, and safe - Create a sensible architectural review process that promotes great design and aesthetics -- please prevent monstrous UGLY buildings like the new development on El Camino between College Ave and Stanford Ave!!! (Does *anyone* think that yellow building with the phallus looks good?) - Reduce airplane noise 2 Supporters Michael Hodos in University South (registered)October 8, 2016, 4:27 AM Adopt the following tenet as an overarching operating principle for each and every proposal considered by City Staff and the City Council: "How will this proposed change help maintain and/or improve the quality of life for the residents of this community?" 3 Supporters Jean Libby in Community Center (registered)October 7, 2016, 9:06 AM I would like to take this opportunity to thank the Palo Alto City Council for their dedication to the community and thoughtful stewardship. This is a group statement and to each individual as well. As a low-income homeowner struggling to remain where I have lived for 50 years, I earnestly seek equitable proposals that do not devalue my property. Name not shown in Crescent Park (registered)October 7, 2016, 5:46 AM Reduce the number of city staff in proportion to residents, to match the ratios of surrounding high-performing cities. Reduce the number of management layers in city staff to match the "management span of control" of surrounding high-performing cities. A staff reduction of about 30%, if done on a merit basis (not seniority), would: - Free funds to pay for improved roads, parks, and other services. - Improve staff responsiveness by reducing bureaucratic steps. - Prevent our future bankruptcy that will result from growing numbers of retired staffers on high pensions that are funded by an essentially constant number of residents. 4 Supporters Name not available (unclaimed)October 6, 2016, 8:16 PM I have asked the CAC to insert a policy in the Environment element re vehicle idling, pertaining specifically to 2017 Council Priorities What are the priorities you would like to see the City Council adopt for 2017? All Statements sorted chronologically As of November 1, 2016, 10:11 AM http://www.peakdemocracy.com/4065 Page 15 of 19 parked cars -- not idling in traffic. Idling emits about 40,000 tons of carbon daily in the US. The problem is particularly problematic at local schools, as parents and bus drivers waiting to pick up children leave their engines running and subject them to carbon monoxide which is increasing asthma, respiratory disease, heart disease and cancer. And it's completely unnecessary. Turning off the engine instead of letting it idle saves on gas, engine wear and tear and carbon emissions. I'd like to see the city pass an ordinance against idling. Fremont has incorporated an anti-idling policy in its CAP. So should Palo Alto, as a leader in green cities. Andrew Sharpe in Downtown North (registered)October 6, 2016, 7:07 PM Street repair, bicycle lanes, traffic calming on Everett, 4 way stop signs at Everett and Bryant, and Everett and High. Invest in the folks that live here and pay for these things! 1 Supporter Stephen Rosenblum in Old Palo Alto (registered)October 6, 2016, 6:47 PM Commit to achieving a carbon neutral environment as soon as possible, including transportation. As a part of this commitment, the city should make a plan o implement Mobility as a Service for all residents and workers in Palo Alto. 1 Supporter Name not available (unclaimed)October 6, 2016, 4:43 PM In a time of climate change and population growth, greater protection and sustainable use of our natural environment: our canopy, our groundwater, our streams, our air quality, our foothills and bay lands. Name not shown in Midtown/ Midtown West (registered)October 6, 2016, 4:34 PM 1. Reduce airplane noise 2. smart way to monitor water consumption. For example, monitor consumption from phone rather than looking at the hard-to-get-to-outdoor meter 3 Supporters Name not shown in University South (registered)October 6, 2016, 2:38 PM Traffic enforcement for motor vehicles, bicycles, pedestrian , and special attention to heavy construction vehicles on residential streets. Public transportation that is also green, a la Marguerite; push employers to provide discounted public transit passes, and design the transit to meet the needs of the people. Conservation incorporated in all new construction and remodeling: more solar panels, etc. 2017 Council Priorities What are the priorities you would like to see the City Council adopt for 2017? All Statements sorted chronologically As of November 1, 2016, 10:11 AM http://www.peakdemocracy.com/4065 Page 16 of 19 Cease allowing commercial building without adequate parking. The "public benefits" never seem to materialize, but the parking problems do. Name not available (unclaimed)October 6, 2016, 11:40 AM Preserving the quality of life in neighborhoods. Jane Volk-Brew in Duveneck/ St Francis (registered)October 6, 2016, 11:39 AM 1) increased traffic enforcement on city streets, i.e., drivers who speed and/or run or disregard traffic signals; 2) Sand Hill Properties' lack of compliance with the planned community requirements of Edgewood Shopping Center; 3) noise from low flying helicopters and general aviation aircraft arriving at and departing from the Palo Alto airport; 4) noise from airplanes inbound to SFO and SJC; 5) improved street cleaning, especially in bike lanes on city streets and at the baylands. Name not shown in Leland Manor/ Garland (registered)October 6, 2016, 11:38 AM Everyone is 'connected' to their electronic devices in their daily lives particularly in their homes. It's essentially that we keep up the infrastructure to meet the current as well as anticipate the future demands. Additionally, we currently have very limited choices, with Comcast essentially holding a monopoly albeit on a suboptimal service which is sometimes reliable. I'd like to see a city wide push towards Fiberoptic internet. It's already available throughout many condo buildings in SF and really game changing, particularly for those of us who want the flexibility to do data intensive work at home. Even for casual users, having consistent super high speed internet really is time saving, whether for school related work, doing things related to one's occupation, or just entertainment. I've seen reports of the city looking into fiber whether Google fiber or some other company. I think it's time to make a push forward and come up with a plan that can be acted upon in a short term (3-5 years go-live goal?) to make fiber available to all residents. We are in the center of Silicon Valley, a technological epicenter. Many other small cities in the midwest and elsewhere have passed us in this internet infrastructure investment. It's time for us to catch up and keep relevant to all the exciting technological activities and resources going on in the Bay area. 1 Supporter William Brew in Duveneck/ St Francis (registered)October 6, 2016, 11:11 AM Priorities: reduce airplane noise, solve Edgewood Shopping Center problems, stop red light and stop sign runners. Frankie Farhat in Green Acres (registered)October 6, 2016, 10:45 AM 2017 Council Priorities What are the priorities you would like to see the City Council adopt for 2017? All Statements sorted chronologically As of November 1, 2016, 10:11 AM http://www.peakdemocracy.com/4065 Page 17 of 19 Here are my 4 priorities: - Airplane noise - Help reduce it and make sure it remains low. The current situation is unjust and untenable for those like me who now live under both the SERFR route and the hundreds of vectoring planes. - Airplane noise - Please start considering what legal actions are available to the City of Palo Alto either if the select committee does not come up with recommendations or if the FAA does not implement procedures that will help us. Note that according to the city noise ordinance in Palo Alto, if I use a gas-powered leaf blower anytime during the day, or if I do construction work before 8am, after 6pm, or anytime on Sundays, I am punishable to up to 6 months in jail, up to $1,000 in fines or both. May I suggest that the City of Palo Alto review and update their codes and use the legal tools in their power to ensure that airspace violators are properly fined and prosecuted. Furthermore, I'd like to suggest that we start such process with the top offenders like Asiana OZ 286 and Korean Airlines KE 213 who fly low and loud, every night typically around 12:30am. - Airplane noise: study the impact on health (physical and mental), learning, and properties value. - Airplane noise: denounce publicly the impact of Nextgen on the Palo Alto community, in order to help raise awareness at the national level and grow the pressure on FAA and Congress to do something right for all of us who now live on Airport runways. 6 Supporters Name not shown in Charleston Terrace (registered)October 6, 2016, 10:37 AM Regenerating Nature in the City 2 Supporters Glenn Fisher in Charleston Terrace (registered)October 6, 2016, 10:19 AM Priority 1: The balance between offices/jobs and residents/housing is critical. Palo Alto is flooded by people who work here but don't live here, and it contributes to congestion. At the same time, housing is expensive and the Planning Commission, Architectural Review Board and Council create a long, expensive, and time- consuming path to new construction; restrictions on in-law units limit housing choices. We need a well-thought out comprehensive plan that addresses these issues, and a council that city government that directly conform to the plan so the requirements and process are clear for everyone. We also need a way to encourage high- density housing while confronting the transportation issues and realize that cars are not going away. So related priority 1A: Clarify, codify and streamline the process of approving remodels and new construction. The current process is broken and more often (for remodels) ignored because it is so complex and expensive. Priority 2: Infrastructure. We have to replace old sewers and utilities, maintain our parks, and also our urban forest. These all have a cost and time constraints that must be addressed. 1 Supporter Name not available (unclaimed)October 6, 2016, 10:12 AM Under health and safety, I believe the airplane noise over our heads is a top priority. There are numerous studies showing that ambient noise can affect our health. Even those who claim not to notice it are affected at 2017 Council Priorities What are the priorities you would like to see the City Council adopt for 2017? All Statements sorted chronologically As of November 1, 2016, 10:11 AM http://www.peakdemocracy.com/4065 Page 18 of 19 some subconscious level. 2017 Council Priorities What are the priorities you would like to see the City Council adopt for 2017? All Statements sorted chronologically As of November 1, 2016, 10:11 AM http://www.peakdemocracy.com/4065 Page 19 of 19 Nextdoor Gargi, Jon J. T. F. fro How muc others on know you Thank Maryann a Barb J. fro I went to t late or no are exper folks who decisions? 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It would sing shortage ssings, I trimm rease in arme d Jordan bike a northbound s that they're e can't vote o make the ne e, having mor med trees bloc ed muggings lane barriers car is waiting limited to onl on comments ighborhoods re units occup cking stop sig that are wors g to turn onto ly a few choic after one's fi a lot safer as pied will help a gns, poorly m sening gridloc N. California ces which inv rst few votes. s well if there as well. arked or non ck and strand a, 2) warn the alidates the . are more peo ding few ople All Registered Statements sorted chronologically As of December 23, 2016, 1:51 PM Open City Hall is not a certified voting system or ballot box. As with any public comment process, participation in Open City Hall is voluntary. The statements in this record are not necessarily representative of the whole population, nor do they reflect the opinions of any government agency or elected officials. All Registered Statements sorted chronologically As of December 23, 2016, 1:51 PM http://www.peakdemocracy.com/4065 2017 Council Priorities What are the priorities you would like to see the City Council adopt for 2017? As of December 23, 2016, 1:51 PM, this forum had: Attendees:498 Registered Statements:161 All Statements:217 Hours of Public Comment:10.9 This topic started on October 4, 2016, 4:04 PM. All Registered Statements sorted chronologically As of December 23, 2016, 1:51 PM http://www.peakdemocracy.com/4065 Page 2 of 44 2017 Council Priorities What are the priorities you would like to see the City Council adopt for 2017? Name not shown in Green Acres December 22, 2016, 9:40 PM No. 1 Traffic congestion and enforcement of traffic rules No. 2 Stop all construction of office space since this is what is making traffic unbearable--everyone knows this, but who will act on it? No. 3 Jet noise, which continues to degrade quality of life in Palo Alto, notwithstanding the heroic efforts of Joe Simitian and the special committee. No. 4 Discuss the jobs-housing imbalance with our neighboring cities, since the expansions of Google and Facebook will only continue to degrade the quality of all of our lives. Name not shown in Crescent Park December 22, 2016, 6:06 PM Our quality of life has suffered quite a bit in the last few years. 1.) Together with Stanford (Their dam decisions are coming very soon) and the Army Corps (and NEVER alone via only the JPA) address the restoration of the creek along with reduction of flood risk without further consideration of floodwalls that are unacceptable to the community. Best if very little channel or bridge modifications from Highway 101 to El Camino. Best address by upstream measures. But most likely a little bit of channel work, and a little bit of diversion and a little bit upstream will be best. 2.) Support serious efforts to lessen and disperse the horrible jet noise from the recent changes in the flight paths. 3.) Stop allowing office construction until the infrastructure to address transportation is fund and in place. University Ave is a terrible mess. maurice druzin in Crescent Park December 22, 2016, 5:23 PM I have lived in Crescent Park since 1992, at 1408 Pitman avenue, my back fence is adjacent to the Community Garden.My concerns are the steady deterioration of our quality of life in the neighborhood.1)Traffic is awful, as commuters use our streets to access University Avenue. 2)There is a huge problem with downtown workers parking in our community, usually for prolonged periods of time. 3)The aircraft noise is very disruptive ,and never seems to end.Recently , flights are passing over as late as 2 am. 4)Eleanor Pardee Park is heavily utilised.There are 2 playgrounds, a grassy area in constant use for soccer and baseball, a picnic area, and a community garden.And, the City is proposing a DOG Park?!! , and the proposed space is adjacent to(ONE INCH OF FENCING AWAY FROM) private property?! 5)The park hours and leash laws are NEVER enforced:at the recent public meeting, dog owners proudly admitted taking dogs off leash and breaking the law, and City officials in attendance were silent, which of course encourages this behaviour, and leaves me and others thinking that the city has already acceded to the vocal dog lobby, without regard to homeowners concerns and requests for alternative sites that do not abut residential property. 6)There has been a steady increase in violations of dog feces cleanup rules, with unbagged and bagged feces 2017 Council Priorities What are the priorities you would like to see the City Council adopt for 2017? All Registered Statements sorted chronologically As of December 23, 2016, 1:51 PM http://www.peakdemocracy.com/4065 Page 3 of 44 left on sidewalks and front lawns. Lisa Van Dusen in Community Center December 22, 2016, 5:07 PM I hope the City's priorities will include the rerouting of air traffic. I realize that the channels for this are well beyond the city (FAA and others) but the effect This change (NextGen) has had a tremendously negative effect on the quality of life for me - one that exceeds all the other issues in the 2016 priority list or is at least equal to them all. Other priorities include: - being aggressive in achieving and/or exceeding our 80x30 Greenhouse Gas Emission goals and becoming a carbon neutral community as soon as possible - making bold changes to bike routes and transit to reduce car trips rather than adding parking spaces - perhaps charging for parking, barriers for bike lanes like near Jordan and reconsidering bike paths next to the creeks disconnected from roads entirely - addressing the unfunded and funded liabilities for the City, esp considering a deficit this year, reduced investment returns for Calpers - this is not good and I do not hear anyone talking about this, rather just raises for the city staff. I would like to hear the solutions to the big picture - including in the Comp Plan the elements of a thriving community that we say we support, including affordable "homes" in every sense for individuals and families with a wide range of incomes, nonprofits, artists and others. - infrastructure (boring but necessary) Thank you for your service and leadership. I urge and encourage you to be bold, not timid, in how we approach our challenges. Laure MAZZARA in Crescent Park December 22, 2016, 2:14 PM Please work on reducing the aircraft noise. Please continue to work on the parking problem I would like to see more actions to solve the traffic congestion instead of years of planning. Name not shown in Crescent Park December 22, 2016, 1:32 PM Please work on reducing the noise from jets flying to SFO. john kunz in Leland Manor/ Garland December 22, 2016, 10:30 AM 1. Airplane noise. It is awful! 2. Car traffic. The root cause is that we in Palo Alto and Silicon Valley are so appealing to so many people 2017 Council Priorities What are the priorities you would like to see the City Council adopt for 2017? All Registered Statements sorted chronologically As of December 23, 2016, 1:51 PM http://www.peakdemocracy.com/4065 Page 4 of 44 around the nation and world. Looking historically, our living and working populations have both grown dramatically in 50 years. There is every reason to expect more of same in next 5 and 50. Council, please take a long view. Please look broadly and openly at non-car transport, density and how to collaborate with other municipalities in the Bay Area. Karen Price in Evergreen Park December 22, 2016, 10:26 AM Please make keeping affordable commercial space a top priority and install a moratorium on tearing down any more commercial buildings. We have seen much discussion about affordable retail/housing, but little if anything about commercial. Every time an older Class C building is torn down and replaced with a big Class A building, we lose valuable members of our community who can not afford the very high rent. We have already lost many therapists (physical and emotional), bodyworkers, psychiatrists, family lawyers, insurance agents, and other professionals, as well as hairdressers and other service providers. We can not replace these buildings or these people and our practices. I have been maintaining my Advanced Rolfing practice at 378 Cambridge Ave since 1979, working generations of families throughout Palo Alto and the Bay Area and doing groundbreaking research with Stanford School of Medicine. We need affordable office space to continue our work and give new generations the space to start and maintain their practices. Local professionals give much to the community in many ways. Tech companies in large buildings give nothing. The buildings themselves also offer diversity and variety to the town-seeing buildings built during many decades of the last century, rather than the last few years, is great for children as well as adults. Please install a moratorium on tearing down any more commercial buildings. Name not shown in University South December 22, 2016, 9:40 AM I hope the horrible airplane noise over much of our city due to the NextGen flight paths will be a top priority. With 80+ planes a day flying at 3500 feet over our house, we have had to move out of our home due to the health issues from the relentless noise day and night. We want to return to our home and our community in Palo Alto. Our house is siiting there, as we don't want to have to sell, but we need something to happen with the FAA. The noise and pollution effects not just us, but the entire community. PLEASE stay on top of this. Start a lawsuit against the FAA if things don't change in the next 60 days, as other cities have done. Name not shown in Duveneck/ St Francis December 22, 2016, 8:34 AM Reducing airplane noise (flights into SFO and SJ) and reducing traffic congestion are my top concerns. Karen Gould in Crescent Park December 22, 2016, 8:10 AM 2017 Council Priorities What are the priorities you would like to see the City Council adopt for 2017? All Registered Statements sorted chronologically As of December 23, 2016, 1:51 PM http://www.peakdemocracy.com/4065 Page 5 of 44 PLEASE. do something about the terrifyingly loud plane noise in the middle of the night. I'm woken up EVERY SINGLE NIGHT by planes above my house. This is severely disrupting my sleep and, consequently, my health and the quality of my days. I'm miserable from this. The planes are too low and too loud. I sleep with earplugs and am still awakened. Thank you Ruth Wilnai in Leland Manor/ Garland December 21, 2016, 9:20 PM 1. The real estate prices are high in the sky, as a result young middle class families move out of Palo Alto. The city becomes more and more a bubble of population who is not aware of the existence of other people who can't afford this way of life. 2. Much noise and pollution around Palo Alto comes from the leaf blowers. Most of the gardeners don't use electrical blowers. They can chase one lead for several minutes with the gas blower. First, they harm themselves and then the whole neighborhood suffer. There is a law, but it is not enforced. The airplane noise should have the lowest priority on the list. Name not shown outside Palo Alto December 21, 2016, 9:19 PM Please continue to work on reducing the jet noise from flights into and out of SFO. The noise from these planes is loud and frequent, often waking me at early hours of the morning (e.g. 4:20am) and keeping me awake long into the night (e.g. 1am). Daytime provides no respite, either, as the flights occur every few minutes. Name not shown outside Palo Alto December 21, 2016, 8:45 PM Please continue to work towards ending the onslaught of jet noise overhead. I work at my home office and have planes roaring overhead every couple of minutes interrupting my ability to concentrate on the task at hand. We have considered moving away from our house of 17 years, if this does not get resolved soon. We live 28 miles from the nearest large airport and would never have moved here, if we had known we would be on a constant approach path for low flying aircraft. The constant noise from low flying jets has had a dramatic effect on my mental health, and the pollution generated below a narrow flight path is also a threat to the health of residents nearby. 1 Supporter Name not shown in Fairmeadow December 21, 2016, 5:59 PM Please give high priority to reducing the alarming increase in the level of jet noise. 3 Supporters Richard Staehnke in Palo Verde December 21, 2016, 5:46 PM 2017 Council Priorities What are the priorities you would like to see the City Council adopt for 2017? All Registered Statements sorted chronologically As of December 23, 2016, 1:51 PM http://www.peakdemocracy.com/4065 Page 6 of 44 STOP THE INCESSANT JET NOISE, Day,Night,Weekdays,Weekends, 200, 300 and more everyday, roaring, whining, whooshing, dropping 1000's of gallons of unspent jet fuel on our heads. All the other pet issues people like to talk about in this town are affected by this horrendous change in FAA flight plans. Protest, Sue, Threaten, Beg, I don't care just get this done PLEASE. 62 year resident who cannot believe this has been foisted on us and our elected officials aren't doing EVERYTHING POSSIBLE to protect it's citizens. 4 Supporters Bill Gargiulo in Old Palo Alto December 21, 2016, 5:44 PM Please stay focused on the terrible hijacking of our skies by the FAA. Stay focused on driving through a solution to the never ending sounds of jets decelerating over out city. 4 Supporters Name not shown in Crescent Park December 21, 2016, 5:32 PM Please make the Aircraft Noise as a key initiative to address. It is a probably the number 1 major issue for the community. 4 Supporters Mary Rodocker in Duveneck/ St Francis December 21, 2016, 5:26 PM Please address the jet noise problem for Palo Alto citizens. It affects my sleep, my ability to concentrate when working at home, and my ability to be outdoors for gardening and other (once) pleasurable activities. This is definitely a quality of life issue. Thank you for your consideration. Mary Rodocker. 355 Iris Way. 94303 3 Supporters Name not shown in Old Palo Alto December 21, 2016, 5:21 PM I would like the City Council to make reducing jet noise a priority for this community. The low flights, especially the late at night jumbos and cargos, are extremely loud even now, in winter, when all the windows are shut tight. We have all radiant heating and no A/C in our home, so there is no white noise in the house that can mask the whistle of the Airbus planes or roar of the cargo planes. 1 Supporter Jerry Chu in Duveneck/ St Francis December 21, 2016, 5:14 PM 2017 Council Priorities What are the priorities you would like to see the City Council adopt for 2017? All Registered Statements sorted chronologically As of December 23, 2016, 1:51 PM http://www.peakdemocracy.com/4065 Page 7 of 44 The airplane noise from SFO arrival flights should continue to receive top attention by the city to find a remedy. I know and appreciate the work done by the city so far but we will need to make sure solutions acceptable to PA residents adopted by FAA and implemented ASAP, especially for those of us who live in North P.A. Green Gable/ Crescent Park area - we're getting double whammy between the SFO and PA's municipal airport. I've lived in PA for > 30 years and used to be annoyed by the noise of small airplane from the municipal airport. It turned out that's nothing compared to the noises from SFO flights! Thanks! Roger Pierno in College Terrace December 21, 2016, 4:23 PM 1. Improve traffic flow by implementing coordinated, dynamic, real time traffic light controls on all major roads in PA and coordinate this system with neighboring cities. 2. Find ways to retain spaces for small startups and to retain the few small businesses still in the city. 3. Find ways to maintain the current character and diversity of the California Avenue shopping area and prevent it from becoming another chain store/restaurant mecca like University Avenue. 4. Do not approve any new commercial or office development, housing should be the priority. 5. Start planning to retain Fry's Electronics in Palo Alto. Fry's is not only a great store for electronic devices, but it is now the only electronic component store in Palo Alto or within many miles of Palo Alto. As a maker myself and a mentor to young tinkerers and makers, I know the value of having a local store that stocks electronic components and how vital it is for curious young minds. 1 Supporter Carol Kenyon in Community Center December 21, 2016, 4:19 PM Low, loud, frequent air plane noise has become an increasing problem in the last 2 years. This problem has become an issue of the quality of life in Palo Alto and surrounding Cities. Please direct your attention to this problem. Thank you Carol Kenyon 3 Supporters Name not shown in Old Palo Alto December 21, 2016, 4:12 PM Top priority for 2017? To paraphrase Bill Clinton, "It's the jet noise, stupid." 1 Supporter Rod Miller in Crescent Park December 21, 2016, 3:37 PM The most significant negative changes (over the last 50 years) in my Palo Alto experience are: 1- Airplane noise. It was bad with the occasional emergency chopper heading to Stanford, but that is 2017 Council Priorities What are the priorities you would like to see the City Council adopt for 2017? All Registered Statements sorted chronologically As of December 23, 2016, 1:51 PM http://www.peakdemocracy.com/4065 Page 8 of 44 understandable. However in the last couple of years the noise has become extremely bothersome. Don't people open their windows when sleeping? Don't people spend time outside? Do people drown out the noise from within their house by loud music/TV? Consider this experience: One night a couple of years ago I was abruptly awakened by the noise of a very low jet aircraft approaching. An aircraft at this altitude had never happened before. In my groggy state, I concluded the only reason the aircraft was so low was that it was in trouble and that it might crash. It might crash into my house, I couldn't see its heading. I might be killed. For about 10 seconds the terror escalated as the aircraft approached. Then to my indescribable relief it passed overhead. Put yourself in that position. All your senses are telling you that you might be killed in the next 10 seconds and there is absolutely nothing you can do about it. Needless to say I was severely traumatized by that event. Since then I notice the sound of most aircraft that pass overhead. Many times the noise disrupts my train of thought completely. This is a severe impact upon my quality of life. 2- Liveability. I'm sure lots of people are making lots of money working Palo Alto and renting work space to those who do. It is time to tip the scales towards the well meaning long-term citizens of this city and carefully consider the amount of office space if any should be added to downtown. I'm sure many property owners will be dissatisfied and the apparent loss of their opportunity to get rich, but it's got to stop somewhere. Increasing density before adding traffic capacity is a recipe for disaster - how many people are using public transit now verus the forecasts for this date? 3- Environment. I've been an environmentalist all my life. However, I find the scope and speed of implimentation of environmental changes to be unrealistic. Yes I realize that we have to push the envelope; maybe it is OK for other cities to be more aggressive than PA. For example, really, tape over the terminals of the 100s of batteries I have for recycling is nuts, how many fires have been caused by batteries being recycled? Maybe just tape the terminals of Lithium batteries. 4- Flood protection - I was flooded in 1999. I understand fixing this problem is a complex inter-jurisidictional problem. However, in the seventeen years that have gone by (while individuals at the agencies involved have gotten raises, promotions, and retired) I get a telephone warning system and the pleasure of hauling and dispersing tons of sand bags by myself but no real fix to the threat. WHERE IS THE SENSE OF URGENCY HERE? A real sense of urgency would find a way to fix this problem, no excuses. The bottom line for me is that I no longer consider Palo Alto a desirable place to live. Years ago walking to downtown was a joy. There was a real eclectic nature to the atmosphere - artists, galleries, and a true variety of stores. Now I suffer from airplane noise, the threat of being flooded every winter and the associated work to put tons of sandbags in place and then remove them (every year!), joyless traffic, greed everywhere, a downtown bereft of interesting stores, architecture, and glutted with restaurants. The positive of proximity to health care is approaching being outweighed by the negatives. 1 Supporter Doug Solomon in Leland Manor/ Garland December 21, 2016, 3:30 PM Affordable housing, and, Reduced airplane noise 1 Supporter Name not shown in Leland Manor/ Garland December 21, 2016, 3:05 PM 2017 Council Priorities What are the priorities you would like to see the City Council adopt for 2017? All Registered Statements sorted chronologically As of December 23, 2016, 1:51 PM http://www.peakdemocracy.com/4065 Page 9 of 44 Changing the FAAs decision to fly all the jets to SFO over our homes instead of the bay has to be a high priority! The increasing noise - even at 4AM - is bad enough, but the added air pollution is unreasonable and unacceptable. Please consideration this a high priority! 1 Supporter alex green in Palo Verde December 21, 2016, 3:03 PM Jet noise, road congestion, keep retail in Midtown Name not shown outside Palo Alto December 21, 2016, 3:01 PM The #1 priority of living in the Palo Alto / Stanford area must be addressing the issue of overhead airplane noise, which has multiplied tremendously in the past two years. This is affecting the quality of our lives, and the ability of our children to sleep, focus, and do homework. The persistent jet noise also has insidious effects on our (adult) health, not only through lack of sleep, but through increased blood pressure and anxiety. 1 Supporter lois shore in Duveneck/ St Francis December 18, 2016, 4:16 PM I would like the Council to consider Airplane noise a top priority. The planes fly low and loud over homes and schools. 2 Supporters Ben Lenail in Crescent Park December 17, 2016, 8:06 PM I would like the City Council to focus on reducing airplane noise, making Palo Alto a "smart city" when it comes to road congestion, and opening a dog-friendly park in northern Palo Alto. 2 Supporters Name not shown in Old Palo Alto December 12, 2016, 10:42 AM Please make it a priority to retain and empower what few cultural and social assets Palo Alto still has. That is, assets that promote both cultural diversity and social interaction. In this day in age, land value is at a premium but anything City Council can do to protect and incentivize landowners and business owners to stay in Palo Alto, the City Council should do. There is increasing pressure to limit or cap these institutions (i.e. CineArts, bowling alleys, private schools that bring diversity to our increasingly less diverse community, Avenidas, museums, etc.), please make this a priority to enable these businesses (most of which are non-profits) to not only survive, but THRIVE in our community. Take the negative stigma away from proposed projects by sticking up for these essential parts of the community. Palo Alto has already lost so many small businesses that make 2017 Council Priorities What are the priorities you would like to see the City Council adopt for 2017? All Registered Statements sorted chronologically As of December 23, 2016, 1:51 PM http://www.peakdemocracy.com/4065 Page 10 of 44 the City great, I would hate to lose anymore or hurt them by imposing overbearing restrictions. In addition, make sure that with increasing ordinances added (office cap, retail "preservation"), make sure that you have the long-term vision at the forefront of the conversation. Please consider the impacts to the future beyond your term, our kid's kids, etc. If you would not want to see retail in a location where it exists, don't force a landowner to keep it because of some inflexible, arbitrary rule. If you would not put retail there if you were starting from scratch today, do not just force it, it will only end badly. And in terms of the office cap, please consider businesses that have been in Palo Alto for a long time and may need more space. What are they supposed to do? All of these must be thought out before rushing to a decision. I know you will serve the people well and best luck in your upcoming terms. - A native and grateful citizen 1 Supporter Ben Lerner in Palo Verde December 7, 2016, 8:28 AM Council Goals for 2017: 1. Create and impose a new "Eichler Zone", R1-E zoning designation for Eichler neighborhoods that preserves the architectural style of Eichler neighborhoods and maintains the current privacy of residents' indoor-outdoor spaces. This was promised when Council rejected the Royal Manor SSO petition and if done correctly will eliminate much future conflict. 2. We are being pressured to solve our jobs-housing imbalance, in large part to reduce the car traffic of commuters in-out of Palo Alto. Before we adopt any policy or zoning changes to attempt to fix this, let's get some data to understand the problem: As a priority goal, let's conduct a comprehensive study of where every working PA resident works and how they get there, and where everyone who works in PA lives and how they commute to work. This will serve to inform any policy proposals to solve our traffic, commute, and parking problems. 3. There is pressure on Palo Alto to build more housing to solve the "housing shortage", generally seen as housing prices being higher than buyers/renters are happy to pay. Before making any policy changes to attempt to "fix" this, we should establish a priority goal of understanding our housing market and what's driving the "shortage": We need to determine how many of our housing units are used as actual housing, v.s. used as offices or investment properties that aren't rented to local workers. This should inform any discussion about up- zoning to allow for more housing. It is a very real possibility that if our current housing stock were used for its intended purpose, out housing "shortage" would be less severe. Thanks for reading! Christian Pease in Evergreen Park December 6, 2016, 12:36 PM 1) Infrastructure: Repair, replace, and upgrade our basic infrastructure before, or actively in conjunction with, the addition more office space and large numbers of dense additional new housing units - get it right to begin with, please. 2017 Council Priorities What are the priorities you would like to see the City Council adopt for 2017? All Registered Statements sorted chronologically As of December 23, 2016, 1:51 PM http://www.peakdemocracy.com/4065 Page 11 of 44 2) Especially: Design and implement integrated, real, and practical (not future vision(s) - for example, predicting and acting as if we know when autonomous cars will actually be on the market, in the streets, and adopted at scale) integrated/inter-modal and comprehensive transportation - including PUBLIC transportation (OK, "mobility," if you well) that is available and affordable for all who need and want it. Do this before, or actively in conjunction with the addition more office space or large numbers of dense new "car light" housing units. Just saying some area targeted for dense development, notably California Avenue, is "transportation rich," does not mean it currently is "rich" enough to effectively and seriously mitigate against a relentless traffic problem that is fast becoming gridlock. Importantly, emphasize public safety in this mix, as cars, bikes, and pedestrians must going forward share common routes and surfaces more than ever before - for example, slapping in traffic circles in narrow, over- parked streets in and of itself, without accounting for good visibility, clearance, and public safety enforcement, is simply not enough to address this obvious safety issue. 3) Especially: Make demonstrably sure that TDMs (Transportation Demand Management plans) used to facilitate private real estate development are in fact enforce, accountable, and working before, or in active conjunction with, the addition of more office space and large number of dense additional new housing units - indeed, prove "car light" produced tangible benefits, don't just ignore inconvenient facts. 4) For new housing, emphasized the nurturing of long-term economic diversity in Palo Alto and do so deliberately encouraging long-time residency and involvement in our community - that would be welcoming beyond just lip-service - which means housing that is in reality "affordable" - not simply "below market," yet still, by any reasonable measure quite expensive - doing so will likely require at least some public participation - purely private real estate initiatives are not set-up for this objective, especially given the returns that are expected from very expensive land. 5) And last but not least.... please, work to get the FAA to stop the big time commercial airplane noise invading our homes and neighborhoods :-) Ronda Rosner in College Terrace December 5, 2016, 12:14 PM Please make it your #1 priority to reduce the aircraft noise in our city. This means following up the work of the Select Committee recommendations to ensure the FAA takes action in a timely manner. The City Council should also ensure that a representative who lives in Palo Alto be appointed to the ongoing governing group to be formed in the wake of the Select Committee, to focus on the issue of aircraft noise in our region. 2 Supporters John Eaton in Community Center December 2, 2016, 12:28 PM On Sunday November 27th, after being awaken by a low jet flyover at 6:00am, I recorded 11 loud aircraft flyovers inside our home between 6:13am and 7:57am. Improve our quality of life. Please put priorities on reducing airplane traffic and noise over our neighborhoods. 2017 Council Priorities What are the priorities you would like to see the City Council adopt for 2017? All Registered Statements sorted chronologically As of December 23, 2016, 1:51 PM http://www.peakdemocracy.com/4065 Page 12 of 44 Community Center 4 Supporters Name not shown in Green Acres November 30, 2016, 8:34 PM A few years ago we both retired and moved from north Palo Alto to near Gunn High School. While I like this part of town, I now realize it has almost no senior citizen activities. To participate, we have to drive to downtown Palo Alto and park. I am looking forward to the next few years when Avenidas operates out of Cubberley but do wish "satellite" senior programs could be located at the neighborhood schools or churches so we could walk and get to know more neighbors. Downtown definitely needs more parking: when I asked fundraisers for new Palo Alto History Museum about parking, they said there is none planned and everyone should walk or bike- not options for us because even the Margarite bus or Palo Alto Shuttle do not operate near us. Parking time is so limited that I have had to leave two different meetings early to avoid getting a ticket.Please help Palo Alto develop more small community centers so we don't all have to come to University Avenue. Best example is the three middle schools! Maybe we seniors could even volunteer with students! Thanks Paige Parsons in Barron Park November 30, 2016, 3:09 PM 1.) Traffic 2.) Pedestrian and Bike Corridors 3.) Airplane noise THOMAS LAWER in Green Acres November 30, 2016, 10:49 AM I would like the city council to focus on quality of life for current residents. I would like to see a moratorium on growth until there is a clear plan on how to handle traffic issues as well as school enrollment and population issues caused by the recent new development as well as a better plan on how to handle the load on our services and infrastructure of any new growth. I would like to see an overarching analysis of new developments rather than the current process where each development is looked at in isolation, which has lead to our current poor state. I would also like to see a revision in the setback and architecture for future growth. For some reason, the developments in Palo Alto seem to have the smallest setbacks and, in my opinion, the ugliest and most dated architecture. I find the projects Mountain View has built to be much better in terms of both setback and architecture, so i think it is easily possible to do better than we do. Mark Nadim in Palo Alto Hills November 30, 2016, 9:59 AM My priorities for Palo Alto are, 1. Traffic congestion relief 2. Excessive construction of office space, with under parked buildings 3. Comprehensive Plan update approval 2017 Council Priorities What are the priorities you would like to see the City Council adopt for 2017? All Registered Statements sorted chronologically As of December 23, 2016, 1:51 PM http://www.peakdemocracy.com/4065 Page 13 of 44 4. Infrastructure John Guislin in Downtown North November 29, 2016, 4:38 PM Even with a limited set of priorities, far too often nothing is accomplished in the year they are prioritized. Therefore I propose one priority for 2017: TRAFFIC. As you understand, this is a complex issue that includes safety, parking, quality of life, policing, development, and many more important issues. I see Palo Alto and the region hoping for the best but doing very little. Let's make a real investment in addressing the issue before solutions stretch even farther out of reach. 2 Supporters Phyllis Cassel in Midtown/ Midtown West November 29, 2016, 3:43 PM I want next years Council to continue with the current priorities. The most urgent is the completion of the Comp Plan. We have been working on this for far to long. It is hard to develop a good plan but at some point we must say this is the best we can do for the moment. It is time to move forward on implementation. Focusing on housing and mobility is the next most important goal. Implementation of the infrastructure plan is beginning to really show. We need to keep going while we have the income stream. I have really enjoyed the renovated building. Please keep moving on this. Name not shown in Duveneck/ St Francis November 28, 2016, 7:52 PM Airplane noise. Quality of life and ability to work has degrade considerably since March 2015 due to airplane noise. Waiting anxiously to see a grocery store in Edgewood Plaza resume operation. The store, which was part of the Edgewood Plaza redevelopment deal closed down after operating for one year. Richard Yankwich in Crescent Park November 28, 2016, 2:10 PM Airplane noise, parking, infrastructure 1 Supporter Lee Christel in Midtown/ Midtown West November 28, 2016, 2:01 PM (1) Continue work on reduction of aircraft noise in all ways possible. Take legal action if needed. Fund city- wide noise monitors. (2) Enforce the ban on gas leaf blowers and amend to include any blower or tool that exceeds a noise 2017 Council Priorities What are the priorities you would like to see the City Council adopt for 2017? All Registered Statements sorted chronologically As of December 23, 2016, 1:51 PM http://www.peakdemocracy.com/4065 Page 14 of 44 threshold. (3) Adopt at least a 2 year moratorium on expansion of office space (until traffic subsides to targeted levels). (4) Make the quality of life of residents already here the priority over expansion. (5) Close the Palo Alto Airport, or at least get rid of the noisy helicopter schools. 1 Supporter Brian Tucker in Leland Manor/ Garland November 28, 2016, 11:54 AM While I strongly appreciate the effort that the City of Palo Alto made to help the Select Committee on Airplane Noise (this is not the official name) recently, I know that the recommendations that that committee made to our Congressional Representatives are only a first step in addressing Palo Alto's unbearable airplane noise problems. I urge that the City continue to track this problem and to urge Anna Eshoo to implement all of the recommendations, including the creation of a follow-up body to implement long-term solutions. 3 Supporters marie-jo fremont in Leland Manor/ Garland November 28, 2016, 11:41 AM Airplane noise. The problem of airplane noise has been fully documented and recognized, and not just by the City. The Select Committee put in place by Anna Eshoo, Jackie Speier, and Sam Farr was a step in the right direction. If implemented, some of the Select Committee recommendations will help reduce the noise over Palo Alto a little. That is progress and the City's involvement in the process was critical to getting there. However, the City must continue to be involved to ensure that (1) the recommendations are indeed implemented, and (2) the big elephant in the room (e.g. the arrivals from the south) is being addressed (moving the track a little back to the historical ground track is shifting not solving the problem). 2 Supporters Name not shown in Midtown/ Midtown West November 27, 2016, 9:33 AM Two priorities for your list: (1) reduce jet noise and pollution (2) make a plan to address and eliminate the destructive effects of bay level rise on the community. Ronald Albrecht in Midtown/ Midtown West November 26, 2016, 12:23 AM 1. Infrastructure repair 2. Infrastructure maintenance 3. Infrastructure upgrades The first priority of the City Council is to protect and maintain the assets funded by our tax dollars. We must keep meticulous records of these assets with aging lists and maintenance schedules to avoid the need for additional taxes. Maintenance must be funded before all else. Council members must be required to schedule 2017 Council Priorities What are the priorities you would like to see the City Council adopt for 2017? All Registered Statements sorted chronologically As of December 23, 2016, 1:51 PM http://www.peakdemocracy.com/4065 Page 15 of 44 walks around areas being discussed in Council meetings. Aging lists need to be provided by independent firms and delivered to the Council once every two years. Nothing can top an on site inspection of assets being discussed in Council chambers -- nothing. Thank you Jeff Rosner in College Terrace November 22, 2016, 10:41 PM 1. Aircraft noise; it's about the pervasiveness more than the peak noise, but the peak noise is, at times, life- altering 2. Emphasizing quality of life for residents, vs. bringing in more office buildings and filling them with commuters; encouraging retail in appropriate corridors to drive sales tax revenues, vs. continued residential developments along these corridors (e.g. condos on El Camino) 3. Comprehensive zoning review followed by a hard line on rejecting applications for variances. 2 Supporters Lou Marzano in Duveneck/ St Francis November 22, 2016, 3:53 PM Reduce jet noise 1 Supporter Mark Landesmann in Crescent Park November 21, 2016, 4:34 PM 1) The top priority, other than those that are part of the normal course of business, should be AIRPLANE NOISE, with specific suggestions as follows: a) Dedicate at least two full-time senior staffers to aircraft noise and pollution abatement for the City in close cooperation with its neighboring communities, which includes filing and pursuing (together with the City Attorney) administrative and legal complaints against airports, airlines, and other entities, for all violations of noise thresholds, as defined in the City's Municipal Code, and all violations of airplane toxin thresholds, as defined by the Federally-mandated National Ambient Air Quality Standards, unless the prospective defendant was entitled to said violations pursuant to Federal or State laws, rules, and orders, but especially if these violations also violate one or more of the Federal and State laws, rules, and orders (such as speed and altitude limits set forth by the FAA, EPA guidelines, and the 5th amendment to the Constitution of the United States), as determined, without bias or further implicit or explicit instruction, by the law firm the City has retained to advise it on these matters. b) Install a city-wide airplane noise and emissions monitoring system, in coordination with the SFO Roundtable, so that the City's measurements and standards can be compared to those that pertain to the fixed SFO monitoring stations furthest removed from the airport (those in Redwood City and the Marina), said Palo Alto monitoring system to be, however, managed and monitored by the City, with the results of said measurements published on the City website, allowing for retrieval of each the measurements, which exceed aforementioned 2017 Council Priorities What are the priorities you would like to see the City Council adopt for 2017? All Registered Statements sorted chronologically As of December 23, 2016, 1:51 PM http://www.peakdemocracy.com/4065 Page 16 of 44 thresholds, no later than 24 hours after they are made, but preferably in real-time, and further allowing residents to subscribe to a daily or weekly email, which provides all measurements that exceed these thresholds, with respect to one or more monitoring stations as customized by the subscriber. c) Call by majority vote of the council, for a City-wide vote, as part of the next scheduled election, proposing to amend Article 2 of the City's Charter, replacing "The city of Palo Alto, by and through its council and other officials, shall have and may exercise all powers necessary and appropriate to a municipal corporation and the general welfare of its inhabitants" with "The City of Palo Alto, by and through its Council and other officials, has as its primary, foremost, and binding duty to reasonably exercise all powers necessary, and available to it by law and circumstance, to safeguard the life, health, and general welfare of all of its inhabitants." d) Continue the retention of the Freytag consultants, and publish any and all findings of the consultants on the City website. e) Before expending any monies on the planned expansion of the Palo Alto Airport, hold a referendum on it, and have the noise and emissions impact on East Palo Alto schools, residential, and recreational areas --- which are immediately adjacent to it ---, professionally evaluated. Set standards for gasoline usage, use of loud engines, and proximity of allowed flight paths to these areas, and of the allowed minimum altitude above Palo Alto residential areas (as per the practices of other local airports). 2 Supporters Nathaniel Sterling in Research Park November 21, 2016, 3:32 PM I urge you to take action to abate the public nuisance created by loud low-flying aircraft. Don't buy in to "the FAA made us do it" argument. No one is making the airline companies do anything. They're in it for their own profit and should be held accountable (as is SFO). If they are enjoined or held liable for their activities, they will speak and FAA will listen. 1 Supporter Micheline Horstmeyer in Midtown/ Midtown West November 21, 2016, 2:43 PM END THE JET NOISE OVER OUR COMMUNITY. This is a major health and quality of life issue. It is the number one issue facing our community. The City Council must address it and REDUCE THE JET NOISE AND POLLUTION! 2 Supporters Name not shown in Community Center November 21, 2016, 11:07 AM Priority one: Airplane noise has to be priority one. The constant aircraft noise has completely changed the Palo Alto noise levels. The FAA has pushed many of us indoors. While I understand decisions to move traffic over 2017 Council Priorities What are the priorities you would like to see the City Council adopt for 2017? All Registered Statements sorted chronologically As of December 23, 2016, 1:51 PM http://www.peakdemocracy.com/4065 Page 17 of 44 Palo Also needs to be a shared burden, it seems overnight, we have hundreds of low level aircraft setting up for their final approaches. Priority two: Traffic light improvement at Town and Country / Paly Priority three: Speed control with Embarcadero traffic. 4 Supporters Byron Bland in Ventura November 21, 2016, 10:47 AM Air traffic noise and polution 5 Supporters Name not shown in Ventura November 21, 2016, 10:37 AM 1. Address traffic impacts (follow Stanford's successful TDM program) 2. Renew cap on new office development 3. Continue work with the Select Committee to address airplane noise over Palo Alto 4. Bicycle & Pedestrian Transportation Plan implementation 5. More Affordable Housing! 1 Supporter Lissy Bland in Ventura November 21, 2016, 10:26 AM 1. Jet noise and pollution 2. Jet noise and pollution 3. Low and moderate income housing 4. More bike paths 5. Jet noise and pollution 2 Supporters Maryanne Welton in Barron Park November 21, 2016, 10:25 AM Do everything you can to protect our region from non-stop noise and pollution from NextGen flight path. I am no longer able to sleep through the night because of the loud, low flights. It's the last sound I hear at night and the first in the morning -- and it goes on all day long. Continue work with Select Committee and every other approach to protecting our community and region from this change in flight path. 3 Supporters Name not shown in Greenmeadow November 21, 2016, 9:55 AM 2017 Council Priorities What are the priorities you would like to see the City Council adopt for 2017? All Registered Statements sorted chronologically As of December 23, 2016, 1:51 PM http://www.peakdemocracy.com/4065 Page 18 of 44 Stop jet noise over Palo Alto - a huge quality of life issue now. Traffic congestion Bike lane safety to Gunn HS 1 Supporter Daniel Lilienstein in Barron Park November 21, 2016, 9:01 AM 1.Noise pollution abatement: -from airplanes -from construction prior to regular work hours, especially from the VA Complex 2.Caltrain grade separation 3.Traffic congestion 1 Supporter Name not shown in Ventura November 21, 2016, 8:14 AM Stop jet noise - it's nonstop and intolerable. BMR housing. Grade separation for Caltrain. 5 Supporters Marcia Sterling in Research Park November 21, 2016, 7:41 AM Airplane noise over Palo Alto is our biggest priority. We used to have dinner in our backyard four or five months of the year, but it's no longer enjoyable with so many flights right over our house. We've recorded as many as 60 a day and they continue, low and loud, when we're trying to sleep at night. 5 Supporters Name not shown in Crescent Park November 21, 2016, 7:16 AM 1. Jet noise - especially at night. Sleep interruptions multiple times a night ruins health, productivity, etc. It's the most toxic thing right now in this area. It would be different if Palo Alto was situated next to / under a major airport and the people who chose to live here chose to be in major flight paths but that was never the case and it isn't necessary for this to be happening. This is a serious problem that shouldn't be taking this long to resolve. 2. Infrastructure to support growth must happen FIRST before ANY MORE BUILDING. (roads, parking, etc.) 3. Residents (and the needs of residents... lower income housing as just one example) should far out way the out of control business development/growth. 5 Supporters Name not shown in Palo Verde November 21, 2016, 6:09 AM 2017 Council Priorities What are the priorities you would like to see the City Council adopt for 2017? All Registered Statements sorted chronologically As of December 23, 2016, 1:51 PM http://www.peakdemocracy.com/4065 Page 19 of 44 I said "STOP JET NOISE" last year, and I will say this again this year "STOP STOP STOP JET NOISE !!!!!" 5 Supporters Name not shown in Duveneck/ St Francis November 20, 2016, 11:46 PM Absolutely airplane noise and pollution. 4 Supporters Name not shown in Downtown North November 20, 2016, 11:11 PM The number one priority for the City Council must be reducing the jet noise over Palo Alto. Our quality of life has been severly diminished by low and loud aircraft flying over our house 24/7. Our sleep is disrupted, and our health is being compromised. The constant jet stream is causing significant pollution & presenting a public health issue. 5 Supporters Name not shown in Barron Park November 20, 2016, 10:53 PM reduce air plane noise and subsequent pollution. especially reduce night time low flying planes. they present a health hazard by interrupting sleep. 3 Supporters Name not shown in Greenmeadow November 20, 2016, 10:52 PM I would set the following priorities, generally intended to strengthen neighborliness, improve diversity, and enhance our environment - subsidized housing for lower income city/school workers -- ideally purchase/convert commercial for this purpose (we have too much of commercial, too little of low-cost housing) - reduced airplane noise, enhanced parks, improved shuttles, transit/bike incentives -- better quality of life for all who live here - cap on office development, stronger enforcement of our asks of developers (parking, transit, public benefits, etc), higher taxes, generally more hostile environment to developers seeking to build office space, ideally encourage Palantir to move out 1 Supporter Name not shown in Community Center November 20, 2016, 10:41 PM The #1 thing I'd like the council to prioritize is reducing airplane noise. The NextGen FAA change led to a huge increase of noise - low, loud, and at all hours - over our house, to the point that my 5-year-old has nightmares 2017 Council Priorities What are the priorities you would like to see the City Council adopt for 2017? All Registered Statements sorted chronologically As of December 23, 2016, 1:51 PM http://www.peakdemocracy.com/4065 Page 20 of 44 about planes flying into his room. The process to get the FAA to change their policies to reduce noise over residences where possible and spread the remaining noise equitably across communities has only just begun, we have to stay engaged. While this does not impact 100% of Palo Alto households, for the approximately 1/3 of us it does impact, it is very problematic. I'd also like to see us explore ways to support housing inventory growth in Palo Alto, and to demand balanced development plans (include parking and housing when we add office space). thank you 4 Supporters Ian Mallace in Midtown/ Midtown West November 20, 2016, 6:28 PM I would like the Council to join the SFO Roundtable and address the unacceptable levels of jet noise over Palo Alto. The FAA (presentations to the Select Committee on Jet Arrivals) confirmed that jet noise has been moved over Palo Alto from 2014 onwards. One route, SERFR, is an FAA procedure/controlled but the other 2 routes, Oceana and Bodega are "vectored" and under SFO/Air Traffic Control responsibility. 7 Supporters jeannie duisenberg in Community Center November 18, 2016, 11:47 PM Priorities: 1. Follow up on the Select Committee's airplane noise/pollution recommendations to see that Palo Alto and neighbor communities get relief from FAA's NextGen assault on our quality of life. It is no longer a pleasure to be in one's own backyard. 2. Deny projects with planned insufficient parking based on the theory that it reduces automobiles. Our transit network is neither adequate nor efficient enough to support the theory. 3. Develop housing for teachers, police, service providers and other non-tech workers--- i.e.housing for the middle class. 4. Work with PAUSD to encourage parents to allow their children to walk/bike to and from schools rather than be driven, to reduce traffic. 6 Supporters Shirley Wang in Ventura November 18, 2016, 7:40 PM 1) Stop the Jet Noises! 2) Reduce the traffic by shuttles 3) Clear the street by parking rules 4 Supporters Susan Thomsen in Duveneck/ St Francis November 17, 2016, 11:42 PM 2017 Council Priorities What are the priorities you would like to see the City Council adopt for 2017? All Registered Statements sorted chronologically As of December 23, 2016, 1:51 PM http://www.peakdemocracy.com/4065 Page 21 of 44 It is my hope that you will put advocating for the reduction of airplane noise in our City as a top priority. The Select Committee has done an excellent job; however, the work of alleviating the unconscionable noise above our homes in Palo Alto has just begun and needs strong advocacy from our elected representatives on the City Council. 10 Supporters Ken Powell in Barron Park November 17, 2016, 2:49 PM Please do what you can to stop or diminish the overhead noise from jets. These are mostly landing approaches to SFO. That has become a quality of life issue for those of us with residences under the flight path. 10 Supporters Jennifer Landesmann in Crescent Park November 16, 2016, 8:17 PM The City needs to make addressing airplane noise pollution a HIGH priority. Airplane noise interferes with the enjoyment of my home every day, pretty much any moment I'm outdoors, and airplane noise causes my sleep to be disrupted every night. Also waking me at dawn with incredibly LOUD planes as was this morning this Cargo flight - Nov 16, 05:01:36 KZ 109 (LAX:SFO B748 200k, 3350ft). The cargo flights are terrible. Besides noise, air pollution is as much of a concern. 8 Supporters Name not shown in Crescent Park November 16, 2016, 5:56 PM 1. Airplane noise 2. Traffic at commute times getting to/from 101 and east bay bridges 4 Supporters Corey Baker in University Park November 15, 2016, 10:16 PM I love that Palo Alto is such a bike-friendly city. I can get almost anywhere on the bike boulevard and streets with bike lanes. Please keep working to make the city better for bikers. More and better transit to San Fran and other cities. I don't own a car now and I would love to keep it that way. More shuttles and even more stations for bayareabikes would me amazing. Expanded (and updated) caltrain. So much of this is regional. What can we do with other cities? I am so surprised that we don't do more to restrict water use in the city. Aren't we still in a drought? I'd love at least more education around this. 2017 Council Priorities What are the priorities you would like to see the City Council adopt for 2017? All Registered Statements sorted chronologically As of December 23, 2016, 1:51 PM http://www.peakdemocracy.com/4065 Page 22 of 44 I'm so appreciative that the city is working toward being zero waste. There is SO MUCH work to be done. Can we do more education, ESPECIALLY in businesses, schools, and apartment buildings? Housing just seems like an impossible issue. I would actually love for the downtown to be more dense (at least for for teachers and first responders), allowing for folks to have a cultural center AND their quiet homes away from it. But that means impacts on traffic and parking. Can businesses and developers propose plans to limit car commuting when looking to set up shop? 2 Supporters Name not shown in Midtown/ Midtown West November 15, 2016, 9:01 PM We need more housing (and parking) to be built. There is not enough housing to keep up with demand. I personally don't notice any issues with airplane noise. 1 Supporter Name not shown in University South November 15, 2016, 8:43 PM Thank you to the Palo Alto City Council for requesting citizen input! These are some priorities I'm in favor of: - More housing (including BMR) near transit centers so more people who work in Palo Alto can live here. - Completion of proposed bike boulevards and other infrastructure (e.g. signage, sidewalk extensions) to make biking easier in Palo Alto. Preferably including grade or barrier-separated bike lanes. - Citywide fiber. - Grade separations for Caltrain (now that Measure B can help fund them). - Improve flow of traffic to parking in commercial areas. Parking availability signs? Consider making University or Cal Ave pedestrian-only. - Expansion of the Palo Alto Shuttle program. - Reaffirm our commitment to renewable energy and carbon neutrality. - Continue to protect beautiful, old-growth trees in the city. 1 Supporter Name not shown in University South November 15, 2016, 7:49 PM Reduce jet noise! 5 Supporters Name not shown in Duveneck/ St Francis November 15, 2016, 4:44 PM Expand our Shuttle program - Get the high tech companies to fund it.... I would like to ask the city to make the big companies that have office in Palo Alto fund the shuttle program so 2017 Council Priorities What are the priorities you would like to see the City Council adopt for 2017? All Registered Statements sorted chronologically As of December 23, 2016, 1:51 PM http://www.peakdemocracy.com/4065 Page 23 of 44 that the city can add new routes, extend the current operating hours and add weekends to the program. This program when enacted would reduce traffic/congestion and parking issues that residents have to face every day visiting our beloved downtown or other major shopping areas. This is the least these companies can do since they have taken over our streets and parking. Pls check out Google's community shuttle program in Mountain View. 1 Supporter Adrienne Defendi in Community Center November 15, 2016, 4:41 PM The disturbing jet noise and the constant airplane traffic above our homes. 6 Supporters Name not shown in Crescent Park November 15, 2016, 4:27 PM I live in Crescent Park, and my top priorities for the council are: 1) Airplane noise!!! 2) downtown parking & traffic 2 Supporters Name not shown in Barron Park November 14, 2016, 5:54 PM As a long-time resident of Palo Alto I agree with all the others on this site who've singled out airplane noise as a huge threat to our quality of life. I would argue it should be the top priority of our new City Council and I urge them to make every effort to fix this as soon as possible. 4 Supporters Name not shown in Crescent Park November 14, 2016, 4:04 PM Top priorities: 1) airplane noise pollution over our homes 2) traffic (University Ave., along with most other major arteries in town) 3) housing for our teachers, fire and police persons 4) development without thinking of the long term repercussions of traffic, lack of housing and impact on the quality of life of residents 6 Supporters Bruce Crocker in Crescent Park November 14, 2016, 1:26 PM I would like to see more actionalble goals than those shown for 2016. My specific priorities in order are: 2017 Council Priorities What are the priorities you would like to see the City Council adopt for 2017? All Registered Statements sorted chronologically As of December 23, 2016, 1:51 PM http://www.peakdemocracy.com/4065 Page 24 of 44 1. Solve the flooding problem at the Chaucer Street bridge. If that takes persuading individuals of the need, working iwth the federal, state, and local bureaucracy, or whatever it takes to get this solved. It is a disgrace citizens of Palo Alto, East Palo Alto, and Menlo Park are still at risk 18 years later. 2. Fix the downtown parking problem--short term with neighborhood parking for residents and guests and long term with a survey to determine how many people actually work in downtown commercial businesses (e.g. restaurants and shops) and offices, ther real percentage who commute by car to determine actual head count per square foot of space and the realistic number needing parking, and therefore how much parking is needed. Then enact policies that REQUIRE office developers to provide adequate parking for all tenants needs and guests. No more magical thinking. 3. Negotiate with Sand Hill Properties to find a grocery store for Edgewood Plaza. Higher penalties should provide them with an incentive to give Fresh Markets an incentive to negotiate better terms with prospective new tenants. 4. Maintain the residential quality of our city with defined and limited downtown/commericial districts. 5. Operate the city with cost effective budgeting and staffing to control and reduce spending. 6. Streamline the burdensome regulatory environment for home improvement and construction in general in Palo Alto. Benafsha I in University South November 14, 2016, 11:59 AM Hello, I would like to see the following priorities worked on during 2017: Reduce Airplane Noise Solve Residential Parking Issues Provide lower Tiered Pricing for charging electric cars at night (same as PG&E) Have a mechanism to track what is being worked on by the City of Palo Alto Thanks, Benafsha 1 Supporter MB Bieder in Downtown North November 14, 2016, 10:02 AM Airplane noise and pollution must be one of the highest priorities, if not THE HIGHEST for City Council in 2017. This issue is destroying the lives of many in the community and making life unlivable. I thank you for your previous effort in hiring a consultant to get good data and recommendations. You must be more aggressive in the next year to make sure Palo Alto's voice and recommendations are heard on the local and national level. 6 Supporters Name not shown in Midtown/ Midtown West November 14, 2016, 9:51 AM Dear City Council, 2017 Council Priorities What are the priorities you would like to see the City Council adopt for 2017? All Registered Statements sorted chronologically As of December 23, 2016, 1:51 PM http://www.peakdemocracy.com/4065 Page 25 of 44 The top priority for the City MUST be the tremendous degradation of quality of life in Palo Alto due to the SFO and other air traffic. PALO ALTO HAS BECOME UNLIVABLE! Of course there are other quality of life issues. The residents just (re-)elected a pro-growth contingent. You MUST NOT let growth exceed the capability of the City to manage issues such as traffic, parking, noise, housing, etc. Growing business without sufficient ways to prevent clogging the few main traffic arteries and clogging our surface streets is NOT the answer. Providing more housing is terrific, but doing so without ensuring sufficient parking is a PIPE DREAM. You are WRONG to believe that people will live in housing without parking spaces. You have been WRONG before to allow business to expand without sufficient parking. You have created this problem. Don't expand it! Here are my top 5 issues you need to address: 1. Airplane noise (and pollution). 2. Quality of life (traffic, parking, housing). 3. Airplane noise (and pollution). 4. Quality of life (traffic, parking, housing). 5. Airplane noise (and pollution). Dave 2 Supporters Name not shown in Midtown/ Midtown West November 14, 2016, 7:46 AM The airplane noise has only gotten worse. If you live under the SERFR corridor, the flights now come less than two minutes apart during rush hours. We would like to see Council reaffirm that mitigation of this noise is a priority. If the Select Committee process does not yield results in a reasonable period of time, we encourage the city to pursue additional options including possible legal action. 8 Supporters Name not shown in Old Palo Alto November 13, 2016, 9:27 PM healthy city--decrease airplane noise and increase altitude as well as improve traffic flow on Embarcadero and El Camino, Middlefield from University to San Antonio, Oregon Expressway, remove 2-way bike lanes (very dangerous), prohibit back in style of parking (rearing into a spot--it takes too long to park and it causes parking traffic congestions), change parking angles at Stanford Ave by the DISH so we can park going in and not reverse (this is too dangerous, it causes danger to the cyclists and also causes parking congestion). As for 2017 Council Priorities What are the priorities you would like to see the City Council adopt for 2017? All Registered Statements sorted chronologically As of December 23, 2016, 1:51 PM http://www.peakdemocracy.com/4065 Page 26 of 44 airplane--it's incredible how the city has been powerless in protecting its citizens sanity and peaceful living (quality of life). City staff and residents have been working hard and I am very appreciative, but there has been no improvements, it has actually gotten worse. 4 Supporters Name not shown in Crescent Park November 13, 2016, 8:30 PM Airplane noise must be a top priority! Planes are flying more frequently, every 2-3 minutes And lower, under four thousand feet. Our sleep, our quality of life Has been severely impacted Name not shown in Downtown North November 12, 2016, 11:14 PM The city is very far behind on park space that can be easily utilized. The city should create a separate fund that contains funds to purchase large tracts of available land for park space. Planning for large parcels that will become available should also be undertaken. For example the site that contains the "Frys" store is rumored to become available in a few years. This would be the perfect spot for a large park, playing fields, swimming pool or other amenities for residents. Planning and funding needs to start now if we are to provide needed park space for the city. Simplify the zoning code so that there are no exemptions for commercial developments! The outside footprint of the building should be used to determine FAR. No exemptions for stairways, closets, bathrooms, kitchens etc. Private homes have to count all covered areas and commercial developments need to be held to the same standards. Decrease FAR so that no commercial development can be larger than 2.0 for any reason. 1 Supporter Celia Boyle in Barron Park November 11, 2016, 11:02 PM Keep up the bike friendly changes which have been greatly appreciated: fix the turnstiles to allow for bike trailers, the turn stiles in the California street tunnel are ridiculously difficult to get a bike trailer through. More green sharrows marked on the roads. Please issue more tickets to all the blatant cell phone users who are driving. Enforce the leaf blowers ban. Please pass a no idling law. People idle their cars while staring at their cell phone. 1 Supporter Name not shown in Midtown/ Midtown West November 11, 2016, 11:54 AM 2017 Council Priorities What are the priorities you would like to see the City Council adopt for 2017? All Registered Statements sorted chronologically As of December 23, 2016, 1:51 PM http://www.peakdemocracy.com/4065 Page 27 of 44 * Reduce airplane noise * Stop trying to build BMR housing. It's impossible to build enough to balance supply and demand. It's a bottomless pit swallowing our tax dollars. * Limit buildings to four stories everywhere in town. * Don't let builders de-water a building site unless they can reclaim the water and use it for something good like landscaping or industrial processing. 1 Supporter Name not shown in Downtown North November 10, 2016, 10:32 AM 1. Higher density and smaller units housing along transportation hubs in downtown and Cal Ave areas as a way to combat through traffic. 2. A downtown development plan for University Ave and surrounding areas for commercial, entertainment, retail, and mixed-use. 2 Supporters Name not shown in Greenmeadow November 6, 2016, 8:28 AM Reducing airplane noise 7 Supporters John Dermon in Community Center November 3, 2016, 10:09 AM Grocery store in Edgewood Plaza. Amazon is planning on opening 2,000 grocery stores. Edgewood? Jeff Hoel in Midtown/ Midtown West November 2, 2016, 12:24 PM Make real progress on the goal of implementing a citywide municipal fiber-to-the-premises (FTTP) network providing (at least) 1-Gbps symmetric Internet service. In 2013 and 2014, Council adopted "Technology and the Connected City" (TACC -- a term for FTTP and wireless) as one of the City's priorities. In 2015, Council failed to make TACC a formal priority, after the City Manager said staff would pursue the fiber goal whether or not TACC was a formal priority. During the last few years, the City hoped Google Fiber would be good enough (even though it would not have had the advantages of a municipal network), but that option now seems to be dead. In 2017, please adopt the FTTP portion of TACC as a priority (but not the wireless part, because wireless has just been a distraction). Steven Baker in Midtown/ Midtown West November 2, 2016, 8:16 AM 1.) Build more housing and rezone for higher density where appropriate, e.g. in already dense corridors like cal 2017 Council Priorities What are the priorities you would like to see the City Council adopt for 2017? All Registered Statements sorted chronologically As of December 23, 2016, 1:51 PM http://www.peakdemocracy.com/4065 Page 28 of 44 ave and university ave. Consider removing the height limit in those areas. 2.) Reduce or eliminate parking requirements next to public transit but require large employeers to create a TDM (traffic demand mangement) system that ensures people are taking public transit to work, or ask those employers to pay for parking spots in parking structures. 3.) Increase bike and pedestrian infrastructure. 1 Supporter Stan Hutchings in Old Palo Alto November 1, 2016, 6:32 PM Walking down the sidewalk on Rinconada Avenue with my granddaughter, we were enjoying the lovely fragrance of blooming star jasmine. Suddenly our noses were insulted by the combustion products of a gasoline powered leaf blower, our ears were assaulted by the screeching whine of the blower, and our eyes were watering from the dust and debris blown about. There is no reason for gasoline powered blowers in residential neighborhoods. In addition, they have been against the law for many years now. Even the lower-powered electric blowers are bad. They kick up a cloud of dust, debris, spores, pollen, etc. and have an annoying sound. For the health of our citizens, they should also be banned. We have asked our gardener to use the electric blower only for large flat areas: the driveway and the brick patio. We may ask him to use a rake or broom in the future. Perhaps it is time to levy a fine against the gardener as well as the homeowner whose yard is blown by a gasoline powered blower. With an increase for each subsequent violation. This should quickly put an end to gasoline powered blowers, or else provide the city with another revenue stream. 2 Supporters Name not shown in Palo Verde November 1, 2016, 3:52 PM Priorities: 1. Low-to-moderate Income Housing. There is no shortage of luxury housing so ultradense luxury housing is not needed. 2. Reducing the parking deficit: increase parking required so that with a density bonus, sufficient parking is available. Survey existing senior, low and moderate income housing, as well as condominiums, apartments, independent and assisted care facilities to determine actual parking requirements before allowing projects to reduce parking requirements based on consultant's "experience" in other cities. Use real data from Palo Alto residents. We have enough existing facilities to find out what existing residents are using. Seniors do drive. The working poor does drive. For example, survey the parking used by existing SRO hotel and Sunset assisted living facility residents and workers next to the lot at University and El Camino. How many park onsite? How many park on the street? It is unlikely that a market rate apartment building would use less. 3. Ensure all zoning requirements are met, including loading zones and compatibility with neighbors before approving any new developments. Do not allow new developments to eliminate sunlight from existing buildings. 2017 Council Priorities What are the priorities you would like to see the City Council adopt for 2017? All Registered Statements sorted chronologically As of December 23, 2016, 1:51 PM http://www.peakdemocracy.com/4065 Page 29 of 44 Ensure daylight plane requirements are enforced. 4. Reduce traffic first - then allow new building. Infrastructure should come first, not last. 5. Parkland: Before additional housing is built, ensure there is sufficient parkland to meet Palo Alto's requirements. 1 Supporter Name not shown in Research Park November 1, 2016, 11:51 AM 1) Continue to fight for significant reduction in SFO aircraft arrival noise from SERFR, BDEGA, and OCEANIC routes. 2) Scale back large developments that are too high, hug sidewalks, and provide inadequate parking (no offsets!). 3) Ease the building of 'granny units' on large lots. 4) Work with SCC to accelerate improvements at Arastradero/Foothill intersection 1 Supporter Joerg Rathenberg in Crescent Park October 31, 2016, 10:43 PM The single most important issue is to stop the jet noise from SFO over Palo Alto. If you live in the 1.5 mile corridor under the flight path nothing else really matters, as it makes living here extremely undesirable, unhealthy, and will lead to more people selling their houses to foreign investors who don't care, don't live here, and have no interest in this community. You may think this is an exaggeration, but it's happening already. 3 Supporters Name not shown in Crescent Park October 31, 2016, 4:39 PM I would like to see some really imaginative thinking by the Council and Staff. After all, we are the center of innovation, next to a university known for the same. Here are some ideas: 1. A traffic plan involving a combination of remote parking, jitneys on city streets and connecting neighborhoods with commercial/shopping areas, and street closures. Included in this could be many roundabouts that would speed existing intersection traffic, and a computerized red/green light system that would be responsive to ambient traffic flow. 2. Innovative housing that uses low use space for small apartments, co-living communities, and vertical space above low commercial structures. 2017 Council Priorities What are the priorities you would like to see the City Council adopt for 2017? All Registered Statements sorted chronologically As of December 23, 2016, 1:51 PM http://www.peakdemocracy.com/4065 Page 30 of 44 3. Research on solar energy generation from black-top streets; this could be a great project with Stanford. 4. Active planning in commercial areas for attractive architecture that is more integrated than the present pattern of glass and concrete inexpensive construction distributed randomly where land is available. (Town and Country is an example of this sort of idea; the new construction downtown is not. 3 Supporters Larry Kavinoky in College Terrace October 31, 2016, 4:35 PM I would like to see the city immediately increase housing in Palo Alto by finding a way to all existing granny units that are safe, even if not up to Palo Alto code, be encouraged to relieve our housing shortage and thus provide more affordable units. Palo Alto makes exceptions for zoning, height and density for all kinds of "public benefit" reasons. Lets do that type of thing now to begin to alleviate the housing shortage. Gary Gechlik outside Palo Alto October 31, 2016, 4:30 PM It is important to treat people equally and address real world needs. Right now, there is significant fire risk in the Open Space. Given the recent Loma Fire which destroyed multiple homes, Palo Alto needs to encourage defensible space management. Residents in the Open Space should be encouraged to follow Cal-Fire guidelines of 100 feet of defensible space. More work needs to be done on social equity for families. We have to be realistic and be careful not to substitute abstract goals and a specific agenda for well established and moderated property rights. We also have to be careful to follow federal guidelines, as Palo Alto, like all municipalities often receives matching funds and federal grants. For this reason, a moderate approach by Palo Alto with a goal of service to citizens is the best approach. Anna Wichansky in Green Acres October 31, 2016, 1:38 PM 1. Decrease traffic, crowding, parking hassles. This means stop new building ASAP. The only things that should be built would be replacements for existing buildings. The reason people used to want to live in Palo Alto was because it had nice residential neighborhoods. I don't think we need another start-up or coffee place or hotel anywhere in Palo Alto. 2. Find a way to decrease the overhead plane noise. It is a reminder day in and day out of how much everything has changed in Palo Alto. No longer quiet even at night. We need to gain some traction over this problem. The big time politicians are not solving the problem; absolutely nothing has changed since they started flying NextGen flightpaths over our heads. 3. Pick up garbage all over the city. Pick it up even if it isn't the city's "jurisdiction". I'm talking about the feeder ramps and bridges to Oregon Expressway, Embarcadero, San Antonio. The same garbage has been laying there for months. If you need to work with Caltrans, do it. It reflects on our city, it's spreading to our local streets, and the city is starting to look like a garbage dump along major thoroughfares. It also fosters an I-Don't-care 2017 Council Priorities What are the priorities you would like to see the City Council adopt for 2017? All Registered Statements sorted chronologically As of December 23, 2016, 1:51 PM http://www.peakdemocracy.com/4065 Page 31 of 44 attitude on regular streets, which I see much more garbage around the schools and parks. If needed organize a citizen clean up day and close the access roads so we can all get out with garbage bags and get rid of this stuff. Joel Davidson in Barron Park October 31, 2016, 1:13 PM I have been waiting for many years for the city to have city wide wifi. Traffic is getting worse daily. It takes between 15 to 20 minutes to get to 101 or 280 from my house in south Palo Alto near the El Camino. 1 Supporter Sharon Dickson in University South October 31, 2016, 1:10 PM Infrastructure needs to be very high priority, particularly for pedestrians and cyclists. Many streets and sidewalks still need serious repair. New lighting is inadequate for nighttime walking. The streets are lit, but the sidewalks are in shadow and present trip hazards. Sewers do not adequately drain streets during wet periods. University overpass is way overdue for renovation. Name not shown in Crescent Park October 31, 2016, 1:02 PM The top priority for the City Council should involve addressing the erosion of the quality of life for Palo Alto residents. Palo Alto is no longer a desirable place to live. Two factors that contribute to this erosion should be addressed immediately by the City Council. First, the intolerable and incessant whine of aircraft overhead must be eliminated in order to restore any sense of peace and quality of life to our city! Second, the aggressive takeover of downtown by office buildings and developers has to be stopped. Additionally, the encroachment of employees parking into the surrounding neighborhoods has to be reversed and resident only parking implemented. Our neighborhoods are now parking lots for employees with the consequence of increased traffic and decreased safety. Greed and an aggressive type of competitiveness appear to be the city's values rather than a concern for quality of life for residents. Finally, of course, addressing the yearly threat of flooding would be welcome! 3 Supporters Valerie Stinger in Palo Verde October 31, 2016, 12:18 PM The 2016 priorities remain unfinished and important. So I wonder if process is as important as priority. I would urge the new council to focus, commit to a planning schedule. For myself, the priorities are housing and transit. How do we accommodate diversity? How do we progress to a transit system, which does not center on automobiles? 1 Supporter Sheri Furman in Midtown/ Midtown West October 31, 2016, 12:17 PM 2017 Council Priorities What are the priorities you would like to see the City Council adopt for 2017? All Registered Statements sorted chronologically As of December 23, 2016, 1:51 PM http://www.peakdemocracy.com/4065 Page 32 of 44 The 2016 priority “The Built Environment: Housing, Parking, Livability and Mobility” was overly broad and should be redefined into separate priorities, which would help achieve “Livability.” • Transportation: Realistic TMA, require fully parked projects, residential shuttles, strict RPP programs • Housing: Below market housing, Airbnb, ADUs, redefine mixed use to favor housing over retail • Complete the Comprehensive Plan Update and zoning updates (retain office cap, protect ground-floor retail, reduce condition use permit allowances, increase code enforcement) • Infrastructure Geri Spieler in Midtown/ Midtown West October 31, 2016, 11:55 AM There are many issues for every community, however, for me, an issue not being well addressed is the incessant jet noise over our city. It appears with all the meetings and comments; nothing is being done. Besides being an annoying issue, it is also a health issue. We didn't have this problem several years ago, so how did the FAA get permission to do this without input from the communities that are affected most? 2 Supporters Name not shown in Palo Verde October 31, 2016, 11:17 AM Lower utilities bills. And, yes, I do think those full color flyers that come with my bill are a waste! Shelly Gordon in Green Acres October 31, 2016, 11:09 AM Consider passing an anti-idling ordinance to help reduce air pollution and improve air quality. More than 40,000 tons of carbon are emitted daily in US cities from drivers sitting in parked cars with their engines running, while texting or engaging in other activities. Turning off and starting gas-powered engines reduce gas consumption, green house gas emissions, and wear and tear on engines. Parents picking up elementary school children are the biggest offenders. Sometimes they wait 10 minutes for their children with their engines running, spewing particulate matter into the air and contributing to respiratory illness, especially asthma in children which is on the rise. Cities throughout the US have anti-idling ordinances that are effectively educating drivers on the benefits of not idling. So working models already exist, as well as a number of public relations materials to change this unconscious behavior, making it easier to implement. 3 Supporters Shannon McEntee in Evergreen Park October 31, 2016, 10:53 AM 2017 Council Priorities What are the priorities you would like to see the City Council adopt for 2017? All Registered Statements sorted chronologically As of December 23, 2016, 1:51 PM http://www.peakdemocracy.com/4065 Page 33 of 44 1. We need frequent, convenient and reasonably priced transportation to SFO. Trains: we need to see a huge improvement in frequency including early morning and late nighttime trains. Buses: we need frequent buses to SFO every day, including early morning and late night. Our airport access is unforgivably poor considering our traffic and air pollution problems. PA must work with the various transportation authorities to improve this deplorable situation. 2. Reduce Noise: Our city is now so noise polluted that it's almost unbearable. Planes, street sweepers, garbage trucks, recycling trucks, honking cars -- it NEVER stops. Begin to replace noisy vehicles with electric- powered vehicles. 3. Honking car noise: NYC has an ordinance that fines people for car honking. Most of the cars on our roads honk loudly when they lock their doors, unlock their doors, and when they hit the wrong button on their key. Solve this problem - cars don't need to honk loudly all the time. They can chirp softly. 4. Crack down on speeding cars in our neighborhoods, rolling through stop signs and ignoring red lights. We want a courteous and safe city. 5. Fix the roads that cross the train tracks so traffic doesn't have to stop every time a train goes by. Trench the tracks or trench the roads, but we must eliminate the needless delays, traffic congestion, added air pollution, and the stress associated with our inadequate road system. Will it be expensive? Yes, but we need to do it. 6. Keep making improvements to our bikeways and continue to encourage adults and children to get out of their cars and bike, walk, or use public transportation. 7. Figure out how to monitor and invoice water consumption in multi-home and multi-office buildings. In my 55- unit condo building, the HOA pays the water bills and individuals aren't held accountable for their water usage. When people have to pay, they reduce their waste. This drought is not going to end. We need to make changes to reduce water use and we need to start now. We also need to incentivize new methods to capture rainwater and greywater in order to water our trees and gardens -- rather than wasting precious potable water. Joe Baldwin in University South October 31, 2016, 10:52 AM HOUSING: 1. Allow Granny units built for family members or as BMR units. 2. Require 25% BMR units on all housing development of 4 or more units. PARKING: 1. Require 100% parking provided for all new commercial development. 2. Raise current downtown RPP employee permit goal from zero to 1,000 with support from both Neilson Buchanan and Chamber of Commerce. 3 Supporters Bob Moss in Barron Park October 31, 2016, 10:45 AM These are my suggestions for 2017 priorities: 1) Infrastructure 2) Long term financial planning 3) Impacts of commercial and residential development 2 Supporters Dov Shiffman in Duveneck/ St Francis October 31, 2016, 10:42 AM 2017 Council Priorities What are the priorities you would like to see the City Council adopt for 2017? All Registered Statements sorted chronologically As of December 23, 2016, 1:51 PM http://www.peakdemocracy.com/4065 Page 34 of 44 Please address aircraft noise 1 Supporter Steve Ludington in Palo Verde October 31, 2016, 10:36 AM Get serious about promoting cycling instead of driving. This means bike routes that are separated from auto traffic and it means spending a lot of money. 3 Supporters Darryl Fenwick in Downtown North October 31, 2016, 10:33 AM I can't believe there has not been a single statement I have noticed which has mentioned the homeless and beggars on the streets of Palo Alto. Addressing this problem is not the same as addressing affordable housing (which should also be a top priority). Almost every block on University has someone begging and homeless, and it is often the same people day after day, month after month, year after year. This is clearly something where the city could make a huge impact in someone's life. And I am surprised by the number of comments about the airplane noise, especially if they don't consider that planes that don't fly over Palo Alto necessarily fly over another city. The solution requires a regional balance and we need to be able to agree upon our fair share of plane traffic overhead. 3 Supporters Briggs Nisbet in Palo Verde October 31, 2016, 10:31 AM 1. Cumulative ambient noise in the residential neighborhoods is increasing and increasingly unhealthful. This includes nearly constant commercial jets at low altitudes overhead, leaf blowers and power tools related to tree trimming, housing construction and other activities; other types of aircraft including private planes and jets, helicopters, military aircraft; even the street cleaning vehicles approach the sound levels of overhead aircraft. 2. In South Palo Alto the amount of housing demolition and construction is increasing rapidly, adding to noise and traffic disruption and, ultimately changing the character of the neighborhoods. Small, relatively "affordable" one-story houses are being transformed into large, multi-level structures that cover most of the residential lot, in many cases loom over their next door neighbors, and radically change the landscape, including fewer and smaller trees, the addition of lawns and watering systems, and, I assume, increase energy and water use. How can the city address the issue of "affordable" housing and not consider the exchange of less-expensive exisiting housing stock for new, larger housing units that are likely twice as expensive and house the same number of people? 1 Supporter Name not shown in Duveneck/ St Francis October 31, 2016, 10:15 AM 2017 Council Priorities What are the priorities you would like to see the City Council adopt for 2017? All Registered Statements sorted chronologically As of December 23, 2016, 1:51 PM http://www.peakdemocracy.com/4065 Page 35 of 44 The jet noise is intolerable. The frequency and volume is disrupting our lives. I cannot work at home because I can't concentrate, I get woken up multiple times a night unable to block out the noise, we don't hang out in our yard much any more every few minutes the belly of a plane is right over our heads and one can't even carry on a conversation without stopping to let the planes pass. I can't imagine the quality of the air we breathe is any good with constant jet fumes spewing at such a low altitude. It was not like this when we first moved here to Palo Alto, and I hope the City will make it a high priority to ensure the FAA creates more reasonable flight paths instead of directing a disproportionate number of flights over Palo Alto. 2 Supporters Name not shown in College Terrace October 31, 2016, 2:41 AM 1. More Low Income and Affordable Housing and programs for all ages but specifically seniors. Leaving nobody behind. 2. More opportunities to hear each other, learn from each other, get to know each other. 3. More opportunities for local groups and neighborhoods to work with each other and guests, through temporary residencies by outside artists, scientists, and others that can help us learn and look beyond what we expect or already know and that create participatory projects to enrich the social, economical, and creative quality of our living together. 1 Supporter Amy Christel in Midtown/ Midtown West October 29, 2016, 11:01 AM Rather than a vaguely defined topic like "Healthy City" focus on issues that contribute to ill-health in our city. Air quality and "Soundscape" are big QOL issues. Address noise and air pollution sources with better ordinances and better enforcement; monitor aviation noise and chemical pollution from both commercial jets and General Aviation (PAO), ban leaf blowers, address horrendously noisy garbage trucks and street sweepers (invest in quieter machinery or better maintenance of current), curb train horns in overnight hours. Ban the sale of leaded avgas at PAO effective 2018, and insist that fuel vendors there offer Swift 94 (unleaded gas) as a contingency of renewed leases. Work with the FAA to reduce the overflights of GA aircraft approaching PAO and SQL over neighborhoods, and limit the training operations at PAO which force arriving/departing air traffic over residential populations. On the issue of housing, don't assume cars will not come with new housing. Require developers to provide complete parking. Re traffic and congestion: STOP the office growth. Period, no exceptions. Enough jobs. Wait 50 years for the housing to catch up. 1 Supporter Name not shown in Community Center October 27, 2016, 9:41 AM 2017 Council Priorities What are the priorities you would like to see the City Council adopt for 2017? All Registered Statements sorted chronologically As of December 23, 2016, 1:51 PM http://www.peakdemocracy.com/4065 Page 36 of 44 The jet noise is unbearable, quality of life has plummeted. Palo Alto will no longer be "a little gem of a city" if the noise persists and if, as expected gets worse with continued next gen implementation. Please continue your substantive support via consultants and direct support to Sky Posse Palo Alto. Get the city on the SFO roundtable. Push back on the politicians waving hands about 'not moving noise' (the noise has been moved, to us). Let's get this fixed. For us. For our neighbors. 1 Supporter Mel Kronick in Crescent Park October 22, 2016, 5:56 PM More support for mass transit, especially more capacity on Caltrain. Work with Menlo Park and Redwood City to reactivate the rail line that connects Redwood City to East Menlo Park (very near Facebook with its thousands of employees) and then on across the bay south of the Dumbarton Bridge. 1 Supporter Michelle Arden in University South October 21, 2016, 5:45 PM Please address aircraft noise as a priority for the community. In the past several years, aircraft noise has increased to the point where it significantly impacts my quality of life, and that of my family. 2 Supporters Name not shown in University South October 21, 2016, 12:16 PM Please consider the airplane noise problem a priority for the city council. About 1/3 of the citizens are experiencing it and the children suffer daily at school. 2 Supporters Joan Hancock in Old Palo Alto October 20, 2016, 12:58 PM As I walk around our neighborhood...I'm saddened by the empty dark houses that are like holes in the neighborhood. I know New York and London have the same situation with out of town property investment that is held as a commodity. Could Palo Alto have an ordinance that houses have to be occupied at least half the year? Just wondering...Joan Hancock Name not shown in Community Center October 20, 2016, 11:42 AM The incredible increase in airplane noise over the past year must be addressed - this is a serious quality of life issue and also could affect property values. Also traffic safety (cracking down on speeding and red light running) and bicycle route safety need addressing. Fix the traffic mess at Embarcadero and Town and Country/Paly -- it's no better than it was. 2017 Council Priorities What are the priorities you would like to see the City Council adopt for 2017? All Registered Statements sorted chronologically As of December 23, 2016, 1:51 PM http://www.peakdemocracy.com/4065 Page 37 of 44 2 Supporters Name not shown in University Park October 20, 2016, 10:34 AM 1. Development cap in all of Palo Alto until we've solved parking and traffic issues 2. Crackdown on residential burglary/auto theft 2 Supporters Name not shown in Midtown/ Midtown West October 19, 2016, 10:14 PM My opinions on top 2 city priorities: 1. Funding and executing infrastructure improvements 2. Public safety - apply more resources to traffic enforcement and crackdown on residential burglary/auto theft Please do not put city resources towards building more/BMR housing. It is not the responsibility of the city to ensure everyone who wants to live in PA can do so. There are lots of places I would like to live or own a home but I don't expect those cities to subsidize my ability to live there. Name not shown in Green Acres October 19, 2016, 10:10 PM By far the most important issue for me is the elimination of the constant barrage of loud, annoying, intrusive aircraft noise that has been occurring at my home since Mar. 2015. 1 Supporter Name not shown in Midtown/ Midtown West October 19, 2016, 9:23 PM Please find a way to reinstate traffic enforcement. The speeding, red-light running and stop-sign running is such a huge problem. If people thought they might get ticketed for these infractions, maybe it would help discourage it. Our streets are becoming like a free-for-all and are not safe places for bikers or pedestrians. 2 Supporters Stephen Rock in Charleston Terrace October 19, 2016, 9:17 PM Reducing single occupancy auto traffic. 1) Public Transportation should be a very high priority. Getting people to their jobs, to shopping, to entertainment. a) Much more frequent bus service and many more routes. Faster service (dedicated lanes) Perhaps follow the model of the Stanford Margarete system. bus routes to California Ave Cal Train. 2017 Council Priorities What are the priorities you would like to see the City Council adopt for 2017? All Registered Statements sorted chronologically As of December 23, 2016, 1:51 PM http://www.peakdemocracy.com/4065 Page 38 of 44 b) Frequent Minibuses, perhaps private, along designated routes. This is done in many countries. b) Increased Cal Train c) Coordinate with neighboring cities. e.g. route between Palo Alto and Menlo Park. 2) Shared Taxi service/minivans from Train Stations and Bus stops to work places. 3) Designated parking places for car pools (as at Stanford). 4) Designated parking for small cars. Put large vehicles on the top of the garages. 5) University Av pedestrian only. 4 Supporters Name not shown in Midtown/ Midtown West October 19, 2016, 9:15 PM Highest priority should be to reverse the FAA NextGen action that flies 330+ jets low and loud over Palo Alto daily. Next priority should be to join the suit brought by Portola Valley residents against FAA. Next priority should be to demand a seat at the FAA metroplex round table to ensure that Palo Alto has a voice given the disproportionate impact on quality of life that 330+ daily jet overflights has brought. The city should add 3-4 viable and welcoming fenced dog areas in Palo Alto city parks. 1 Supporter Angela Holman in Downtown North October 19, 2016, 8:10 PM I would like to know which, if any, of these priorities include addressing the serious housing problem in Palo Alto. Those of us who are renters have no protections against enormous rent increases, making it virtually impossible to maintain any kind of economic diversity in the area. In addition to renter protections though, I'd really like to see more of an emphasis on low-income and affordable housing development. As the cities around us continue to allow company growth to outpace housing stock, people are getting pushed further and further out and making traffic worst for everyone. Again, how will these priorities address housing needs? 1 Supporter Name not shown in University Park October 19, 2016, 5:55 PM Creating more housing needs to be a number one priority. Any way the council can change the requirements to incentivise smaller dwellings, granny units and other creative ways to increase housing should be considered. using technology to improve parking accessibility is also a worthy endeavor. 4 Supporters Name not shown in Downtown North October 14, 2016, 10:40 AM 2017 Council Priorities What are the priorities you would like to see the City Council adopt for 2017? All Registered Statements sorted chronologically As of December 23, 2016, 1:51 PM http://www.peakdemocracy.com/4065 Page 39 of 44 More housing, more housing, more housing. Everything else is a distant second. 1 Supporter Rachel Croft in Southgate October 14, 2016, 9:05 AM I would like the city to take as a top priority making Palo Alto a more bike friendly place. This should include considerations for bike safety (including providing separate roadways for bikes, ensuring cars can't park near intersections, and putting better separation rails in places where bikes are near fast-moving cars like Embarcadero Caltrain underpass) and bike parking. The city should consider both adult and kid bike drivers in their plans. 4 Supporters Patama Gur in Old Palo Alto October 13, 2016, 1:32 PM Preserve ground floor retail at least two blocks off University Ave and keep California Avenue zoned for local, non-chain businesses. Better balance the needs of existing local residents with growth initiatives especially around parking and traffic concerns. 2 Supporters Hamilton Hitchings in Duveneck/ St Francis October 11, 2016, 4:19 PM 1) Complete the Comprehensive Plan Update 2) Significant progress on Infrastructure: Public Safety Building, new Parking Garages, Newell St. Bridge & Fire Stations Seismic Safety 3) Extend zoning changes to favor housing over office (extend and strengthen office cap, rezone some office to residential, TDRs for residential only, more focus on below market housing, try to save Bueno Vista, more focus on mitigating development impacts on neighbors, traffic and parking, etc...) Anne Gregory in Midtown/ Midtown West October 9, 2016, 11:10 PM 1. Unbearable jet noise and pollution. Everything else is is a distant second. My partner's asthma is awful now and we can't stand the noise. 2. Keep the 50 foot height limit and the office cap, and encourage Palantir to move out. 3. Ghost houses: follow Vancouver's lead and levy a large tax on real estate purchased by foreigners, and use that money to fund affordable housing for city workers only. 4. Grade separation. 5. Traffic enforcement. Speeding cut through traffic on my street, Loma Verde Ave, has made my home noisy, polluted and dangerous. 2017 Council Priorities What are the priorities you would like to see the City Council adopt for 2017? All Registered Statements sorted chronologically As of December 23, 2016, 1:51 PM http://www.peakdemocracy.com/4065 Page 40 of 44 1 Supporter Name not shown in Evergreen Park October 9, 2016, 5:48 PM My highest priorities for Palo Alto center around quality of life: safety - traffic law enforcement (speed limits! stopping at stop signs) and parking (parking permits in neighborhoods near commercial areas) 1 Supporter Irene Au in Evergreen Park October 9, 2016, 4:16 PM - Preserve quality of life for existing residents by addressing transit and parking issues. Evergreen Park in particular is suffering without an RPPP. Please implement an RPPP and commit towards a 100% phase-out of employee parking in the neighborhood within 5 years. - Commit to ground-floor retail and grow and keep local businesses in our community - Encourage businesses that help foster community and serve as gathering points for people / places of attraction; we need to serve not just one particular demographic but different places for people at different stages of life (e.g. teens, young adults, young families, middle-aged adults, seniors) - Make walking and biking around the city easy, accessible, and safe - Create a sensible architectural review process that promotes great design and aesthetics -- please prevent monstrous UGLY buildings like the new development on El Camino between College Ave and Stanford Ave!!! (Does *anyone* think that yellow building with the phallus looks good?) - Reduce airplane noise 2 Supporters Michael Hodos in University South October 8, 2016, 4:27 AM Adopt the following tenet as an overarching operating principle for each and every proposal considered by City Staff and the City Council: "How will this proposed change help maintain and/or improve the quality of life for the residents of this community?" 3 Supporters Jean Libby in Community Center October 7, 2016, 9:06 AM I would like to take this opportunity to thank the Palo Alto City Council for their dedication to the community and thoughtful stewardship. This is a group statement and to each individual as well. As a low-income homeowner struggling to remain where I have lived for 50 years, I earnestly seek equitable proposals that do not devalue my property. 1 Supporter Name not shown in Crescent Park October 7, 2016, 5:46 AM 2017 Council Priorities What are the priorities you would like to see the City Council adopt for 2017? All Registered Statements sorted chronologically As of December 23, 2016, 1:51 PM http://www.peakdemocracy.com/4065 Page 41 of 44 Reduce the number of city staff in proportion to residents, to match the ratios of surrounding high-performing cities. Reduce the number of management layers in city staff to match the "management span of control" of surrounding high-performing cities. A staff reduction of about 30%, if done on a merit basis (not seniority), would: - Free funds to pay for improved roads, parks, and other services. - Improve staff responsiveness by reducing bureaucratic steps. - Prevent our future bankruptcy that will result from growing numbers of retired staffers on high pensions that are funded by an essentially constant number of residents. 5 Supporters Andrew Sharpe in Downtown North October 6, 2016, 7:07 PM Street repair, bicycle lanes, traffic calming on Everett, 4 way stop signs at Everett and Bryant, and Everett and High. Invest in the folks that live here and pay for these things! 1 Supporter Stephen Rosenblum in Old Palo Alto October 6, 2016, 6:47 PM Commit to achieving a carbon neutral environment as soon as possible, including transportation. As a part of this commitment, the city should make a plan o implement Mobility as a Service for all residents and workers in Palo Alto. 2 Supporters Name not shown in Midtown/ Midtown West October 6, 2016, 4:34 PM 1. Reduce airplane noise 2. smart way to monitor water consumption. For example, monitor consumption from phone rather than looking at the hard-to-get-to-outdoor meter 3 Supporters Name not shown in University South October 6, 2016, 2:38 PM Traffic enforcement for motor vehicles, bicycles, pedestrian , and special attention to heavy construction vehicles on residential streets. Public transportation that is also green, a la Marguerite; push employers to provide discounted public transit passes, and design the transit to meet the needs of the people. Conservation incorporated in all new construction and remodeling: more solar panels, etc. Cease allowing commercial building without adequate parking. The "public benefits" never seem to materialize, 2017 Council Priorities What are the priorities you would like to see the City Council adopt for 2017? All Registered Statements sorted chronologically As of December 23, 2016, 1:51 PM http://www.peakdemocracy.com/4065 Page 42 of 44 but the parking problems do. Jane Volk-Brew in Duveneck/ St Francis October 6, 2016, 11:39 AM 1) increased traffic enforcement on city streets, i.e., drivers who speed and/or run or disregard traffic signals; 2) Sand Hill Properties' lack of compliance with the planned community requirements of Edgewood Shopping Center; 3) noise from low flying helicopters and general aviation aircraft arriving at and departing from the Palo Alto airport; 4) noise from airplanes inbound to SFO and SJC; 5) improved street cleaning, especially in bike lanes on city streets and at the baylands. Name not shown in Leland Manor/ Garland October 6, 2016, 11:38 AM Everyone is 'connected' to their electronic devices in their daily lives particularly in their homes. It's essentially that we keep up the infrastructure to meet the current as well as anticipate the future demands. Additionally, we currently have very limited choices, with Comcast essentially holding a monopoly albeit on a suboptimal service which is sometimes reliable. I'd like to see a city wide push towards Fiberoptic internet. It's already available throughout many condo buildings in SF and really game changing, particularly for those of us who want the flexibility to do data intensive work at home. Even for casual users, having consistent super high speed internet really is time saving, whether for school related work, doing things related to one's occupation, or just entertainment. I've seen reports of the city looking into fiber whether Google fiber or some other company. I think it's time to make a push forward and come up with a plan that can be acted upon in a short term (3-5 years go-live goal?) to make fiber available to all residents. We are in the center of Silicon Valley, a technological epicenter. Many other small cities in the midwest and elsewhere have passed us in this internet infrastructure investment. It's time for us to catch up and keep relevant to all the exciting technological activities and resources going on in the Bay area. 1 Supporter William Brew in Duveneck/ St Francis October 6, 2016, 11:11 AM Priorities: reduce airplane noise, solve Edgewood Shopping Center problems, stop red light and stop sign runners. Frankie Farhat in Green Acres October 6, 2016, 10:45 AM Here are my 4 priorities: - Airplane noise - Help reduce it and make sure it remains low. The current situation is unjust and untenable for those like me who now live under both the SERFR route and the hundreds of vectoring planes. - Airplane noise - Please start considering what legal actions are available to the City of Palo Alto either if the select committee does not come up with recommendations or if the FAA does not implement procedures that will help us. Note that according to the city noise ordinance in Palo Alto, if I use a gas-powered leaf blower 2017 Council Priorities What are the priorities you would like to see the City Council adopt for 2017? All Registered Statements sorted chronologically As of December 23, 2016, 1:51 PM http://www.peakdemocracy.com/4065 Page 43 of 44 anytime during the day, or if I do construction work before 8am, after 6pm, or anytime on Sundays, I am punishable to up to 6 months in jail, up to $1,000 in fines or both. May I suggest that the City of Palo Alto review and update their codes and use the legal tools in their power to ensure that airspace violators are properly fined and prosecuted. Furthermore, I'd like to suggest that we start such process with the top offenders like Asiana OZ 286 and Korean Airlines KE 213 who fly low and loud, every night typically around 12:30am. - Airplane noise: study the impact on health (physical and mental), learning, and properties value. - Airplane noise: denounce publicly the impact of Nextgen on the Palo Alto community, in order to help raise awareness at the national level and grow the pressure on FAA and Congress to do something right for all of us who now live on Airport runways. 7 Supporters Name not shown in Charleston Terrace October 6, 2016, 10:37 AM Regenerating Nature in the City 2 Supporters Glenn Fisher in Charleston Terrace October 6, 2016, 10:19 AM Priority 1: The balance between offices/jobs and residents/housing is critical. Palo Alto is flooded by people who work here but don't live here, and it contributes to congestion. At the same time, housing is expensive and the Planning Commission, Architectural Review Board and Council create a long, expensive, and time- consuming path to new construction; restrictions on in-law units limit housing choices. We need a well-thought out comprehensive plan that addresses these issues, and a council that city government that directly conform to the plan so the requirements and process are clear for everyone. We also need a way to encourage high- density housing while confronting the transportation issues and realize that cars are not going away. So related priority 1A: Clarify, codify and streamline the process of approving remodels and new construction. The current process is broken and more often (for remodels) ignored because it is so complex and expensive. Priority 2: Infrastructure. We have to replace old sewers and utilities, maintain our parks, and also our urban forest. These all have a cost and time constraints that must be addressed. 2 Supporters 2017 Council Priorities What are the priorities you would like to see the City Council adopt for 2017? All Registered Statements sorted chronologically As of December 23, 2016, 1:51 PM http://www.peakdemocracy.com/4065 Page 44 of 44